Highway 95, just south of Riggins in central Idaho, remains closed after more rockfall onto the roadway. Efforts to clear the road have been slow as crews try to secure the hillside before the road can be cleared. Another setback occurred early in the morning on Friday, July 10th when large boulders tumbled down onto the newly constructed detour.
- Original Story: Large Rockfall Closes Vital Road in Central Idaho
The significant rockfall on the 10th could be related to two earthquakes that occurred around the same time the rocks fell. The pair of 4.0 earthquakes were aftershocks from the 6.5 quake that rocked central Idaho in March. For now, Mother Nature appears to be winning.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is currently monitoring the situation but cannot resume work until the slope is secured. It is unclear when the slope above the road will be safe as more rocks continue to cascade onto the road.
The detour is only open during daylight hours so crews can maintain the temporary roadway at night. When the detour is open motorists can expect long delays. Drivers are advised to not drive French Creek Road as it is for experienced mountain drivers only. There is still no estimated time of reopening for US Route 95 and there are no alternate routes.
