9/6/2013
Idaho 55, Banks to Lowman highways closed after mudslide
BOISE - Idaho 55 north of Horseshoe Bend and the Banks to Lowman Highway are closed after a mudslide covered Idaho 55 at Milepost 81.8, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The slide occurred Thursday evening at about 7 p.m. when heavy rains fell on the area. The rain, combined with a hillside area that had been burned in a fire, washed soil onto the highway. Both lanes of Idaho 55 are closed.
Motorists are being advised to use U.S. 95 as an alternate route. Crews are working on clearing the highway. It was not known Friday morning how soon Idaho 55 was going to re-open.
Drivers are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov for the latest conditions on the state's highways, or call 5-1-1 from their phones.