1/18/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho 55 closed for rock fall
BOISE - Idaho 55 has closed between the Banks-Lowman cutoff and Smith's Ferry for drivers' safety as rocks fall on the highway, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. It is from milepost 79 to 97.
The closure occurred around 3 p.m. and was expected to continue for at least 4-6 hours, if conditions exist that would allow the highway to reopen. ITD Maintenance said it could be closed all night, since the situation will need to stabilize before crews can even start clearing the highway.
Boulders the size of televisions - some the size of dishwashers - are coming down off the hillside onto the highway. It is currently unsafe for crews to be out on the road with the rock coming down, so when it is safe they will clear the road of debris and re-evaluate the situation.
For the latest highway and weather conditions on the state highway system, call Idaho Traveler Services at 5-1-1. For online updates, visit the website at 511.idaho.gov. Telephone and Web reports are available 24 hours a day and are updated as conditions change.