6/8/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Flooding update - no southwest Idaho highways closed, rockfall warnings remain
BOISE - Water ran over, under, and all
around southwest Idaho highways the last few days. It started in the
northern counties first, but after a few days highways all across the region
had been impacted.
At
this time, no closures remain on the state highway system in southwest
Idaho. The weekend's heavy rainfall loosened soil in many locations,
however, creating a rockfall hazard
for highways near mountains or hillsides.
To recap a few maintenance highlights: Portions of Idaho 55 at Goose Creek Grade
near New Meadows, Idaho 71 near Brownlee Creek northeast of Cambridge and U.S.
95 at Cottonwood Creek were the first casualties. A logjam had to be cleared at
the Weiser River Bridge in Cambridge, and debris was removed at the Payette
River Bridge in Horseshoe Bend.
Crews worked also on Idaho 52 between Horseshoe
Bend and Emmett. Idaho 21 in the Canyon Creek area closed from late Friday
night to Sunday afternoon.
Several rivers in the area were at or above flood stage, requiring constant monitoring.
Working overtime was standard procedure during the crisis. ITD's southwest Idaho office had been frugal with its personnel budget prior to the floods, however, so little personnel impact was
felt.
These photos on ITD's Facebook account depict
some of those situations and maintenance efforts.
ITD advises motorists to use caution and travel in the affected areas only if
necessary until conditions improve. Drivers should check the state's traveler
advisory system at 511.idaho.gov of dial 5-1-1 for the latest conditions.