3/17/2016
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
IDAHO 14 LANDSLIDE UPDATE: Limited access road expected by end of next week
LEWISTON - A limited-access route, serving essential and necessary traffic through the blocked stretch of Idaho 14 west of Elk City, could open by the end of next week if weather permits. The opening of the elevated route will relieve pressure on the weather-dependent alternate route, Forest Service road/trails 1199 and 1858.
In order to accommodate construction of the limited-access route, the biggest boulder at the site will be reduced this weekend prior to warmer, wetter weather in the forecast at the beginning of next week. Once reduced in size, pieces from the boulder also will be used as to construct the elevated route.
Melting snow created instability and rockfall yesterday, preventing any construction equipment from operating near the east end of the slide. All cleanup activity at the site is contingent on weather, as ITD and the contractor pursue reliable, safe access.
The massive landslide carried 100,000 tons of rock and debris down to Idaho 14 earlier this spring, closing the route.