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ITD surveyor gets video of April 7 slide |
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April 12, 2017 |
ITD crews were on scene with cameras rolling as
a hillside broke free and covered a section of
U.S. 95 south of Bonners Ferry on Friday, April
7. In the video, now posted to
YouTube, you can see tons of mud, rocks, and
trees slide down, pushing two layers of concrete
barriers off the road. Overall, 800 cubic yards
of debris slid onto the road.
Thanks to quick action of ITD crews on scene, no
one was injured by the slide. ITD Land Surveyor
Mathew Wilson, who took the video, was assessing
the hillside stability. He heard popping and
cracking and knew another slide was imminent.
Thinking quickly, the flaggers on scene stopped
traffic and just three minutes later the
hillside gave way.
ITD crews cleared the debris from the road
Friday evening. Additionally, crews dug out an
extra 600 cubic yards of dirt beside the road to
create a channel for water to run.
Currently, ITD is keeping one lane open on this
section for the safety of the traveling public.
Cars will travel on the southbound lane, away
from the hillside. Flaggers will direct traffic
and actively monitor the area.
This section of hillside continues to be
unstable. Crews have noted progressive shifting
near U.S. 95. Rain is in the forecast and there
remains 18 inches of snow above the slide area.
ITD is working with geology specialists to
assess the situation. With public safety as a
priority, additional traffic control measures
may be taken.
Several areas of North Idaho are impacted by
this year's historic winter precipitation.
Slides have occurred on Idaho State Highways 3,
5, 57, and 97. |
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