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Large rock lands on shoulder of Idaho 55

Motorists had more than driving rain to contend with on Idaho 55 Wednesday. They had to watch for falling rock, dislodged from nearby embankments after several days of relentless rain.

A large rock cascaded onto the highway shoulder north of Rainbow Bridge, about 53 miles from Eagle. District 3 maintenance crews had to break the rock into two pieces to safely remove it.

Falling rocks were reported in several southwestern Idaho locations Wednesday as spring thaws, softening soil and steady rain combined to make travel challenging.

The Weiser River escaped its banks and briefly threatened to submerge a portion of U.S. 95 near Weiser. Rocks were reported on the highway near Cambridge and on Idaho 21 where Mores Creek threatened the highway. Idaho 21 remains closed near Grand Jean Junction because of an avalanche.

Motorists are urged to use caution this spring as weather and highway conditions can change quickly. If encountering flooded highways, motorists should not to attempt to drive through standing or moving water.