9/22/2020
Megan Jahns
ITD Communication
208-772-1295
megan.jahns@itd.idaho.gov
Final major blast at slide south of Riggins scheduled for today
RIGGINS—Both US-95 and Old Pollock Road are expected to close today at 11 p.m. PT / 12 p.m. MT to allow crews to blast 1,000 cubic yards of unstable rock from the slope adjacent to the active slide at milepost 188 south of Riggins.
The complete closure on Monday is expected to last about 30 minutes. After the blast, traffic will be allowed to travel through the area on the US-95 temporary road around the base of the slide or Old Pollock Road.
“Although this particular slope is not currently sliding, it has the potential to,” Materials Engineer Janet Zarate said. “We plan to proactively address it now while we have the right equipment and people in the area.”
Download a photo of the adjacent rock slope.
Download a photo of drilling activities before the blast.
This is the second major and final blast to remove material from the slope. This blast will be much smaller than the first.
After blasting is complete, drivers can anticipate continued 20-minute delays for several weeks while geotechnical experts finish dislodging loose material.
“During those short-duration closures, the temporary signals will turn red,” Zarate said. “It’s important to stop so you’re not driving below boulders as they are being pushed off the rock face.”
Download a video of scalers on the slope.
Next steps for slope stabilization include reinforcing the remaining slope with bolts and wire fencing. Repairs are expected to take until mid-November to complete.
Drivers should download the 511 app to check for the latest conditions. For progress updates, drivers should visit itd.idaho.gov/us95rigginsslide and follow ITD on Facebook and Twitter.