2/27/2009
Idaho 21 from Grandjean Junction to Banner Summit reopen; closures could happen again this weekend
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department reopened Idaho 21 between Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit today at 11:20 a.m., but spring-like conditions could cause additional closures to that stretch of highway this weekend.
The avalanche-prone Canyon Creek area of the highway has closed twice this week, on Monday (Feb. 23) and again yesterday (Feb. 26).
Rapid warming, snow melt, water content and weight, extremely high precipitation rates and high winds may cause closures again this weekend, ITD Resident Engineer Tom Points said.
"The springtime conditions cause the snow to be unstable," Points said. "The closures are generally of short duration, but to maintain motorists' safety we have to close the highway down to clear it."
ITD avalanche crews are closely monitoring the popular recreation route to ensure the safety of motorists.
The Idaho Transportation Department encourages drivers to slow down and proceed cautiously through difficult driving situations, and to check 511 for the most up-to-date road conditions. The service can be accessed by dialing 5-1-1 on the telephone, or checked on line at 511.idaho.gov.