| Rockslide was to reopen Wednesday The Idaho Transportation Department planned to open US-95 to traffic between Pollock and Riggins on Wednesday, July 8 following the evaluation of geotechnical experts Monday and positive results from continued monitoring. Unfortunately, instability on the slide area caused the ITD to close the road again on thursday, July 9. A rock slide on Friday, July 3, closed U.S. 95, effectively isolating northern Idaho from southern Idaho as there were very limited options to bypass the closure locally due to either closed roads (Old Pollock Road) or snow making some other routes impassable. “Yesterday geotechnical professionals measured the slope to identify short-term options to get the highway safely open," Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said Tuesday. “Today rock scalers will keep dislodging any loose material.” Crews have closed Old Pollock Road to add gravel and install culverts to help the county repair it for local and commuter traffic. Work is expected to take up to two days. Recent rain could affect the stability of the slope. Drivers should download the 511 app, follow ITD on Facebook and Twitter and pay attention to signs in the area for updates.  The Idaho Transportation Dept. has been working to reopen Hwy. 95 south of Riggins after a rockslide closed the highway on Friday, July 3. ITD photo. |
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