6/2/2013
Rockslide closes Idaho 52 between Horseshoe Bend and Emmett
BOISE - Two rock slides on consecutive days forced closure of Idaho 52 between Horseshoe Bend and Emmett this weekend.
The Idaho Transportation Department closed the highway between mileposts 37 and 45 at about 1 p.m. today and is routing traffic onto Shell Rock Road between Montour and Plaza roads in Gem County. The entire highway is closed to commercial traffic between Horseshoe Bend and Emmett.
ITD crews cleared debris that fell from a steep hillside above the highway by mid-afternoon Sunday, but left the closure in place because of a continued threat from the unstable slope.
Officials from the Emmett Irrigation Company and a contractor inspected a canal above the highway Sunday afternoon to determine the source of water that is saturating the hillside. It is unknown whether that subsurface moisture is coming from the canal, a spring or other source.
Sunday’s slide and closure followed another in the same segment of the highway that occurred Saturday evening. Traffic was reduced to a single lane and was controlled by flaggers during Saturday’s event, from 7:03 p.m. Saturday until 2:31 a.m. today.
ITD maintenance crews are unsure how long the latest closure will remain in effect.
Motorists who normally would use Idaho 52 should call 5-1-1 or check the 511 Traveler Services website at 511.idaho.gov for the latest information.