12/31/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Preventative closure of Idaho State Highway 21 to occur at 5 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 31)
BOISE - A preventative closure will take place on Idaho State Highway 21 from Grandjean Junction to Banner Summit starting at 5 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 31) in anticipation of possible avalanche conditions in the 12-mile stretch of roadway.
Additional snowfall is anticipated in the area today, and the Idaho Transportation Department Avalanche Forecast Office has determined to close the roadway as a preventative measure until such time as conditions improve enough to allow safe re-opening of the highway.
The area, from milepost 93.8-105.4, is known as Avalanche Alley, and is home to 57 known avalanche slide paths. Ninety-nine percent of Idaho's avalanches occur between Lowman and Stanley. The popular recreation route and vital transportation link is closed an average of 60 days per year due to unstable conditions which can lead to avalanches.
During the closure, U.S.12 (Lolo Pass) will be the nearest alternate for travelers from Salmon, Challis or Montana, and motorists may also choose to go to Ketchum and take U.S. 20/26 through Fairfield and connect with I-84 at Mountain Home.
ITD and the Idaho State Police caution motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.