UPDATE: Rock scaling on U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow, Idaho has just been completed, and crews have now shifted to the crucial cleanup phase. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the highway reopened to one lane, but motorists should anticipate delays of up to 20 minutes due to ongoing debris removal efforts.
According to Mark Pfeifer, spokesperson for the Idaho Transportation Department, the scaling and excavation work finished approximately two hours ahead of schedule. “The material was pretty crumbly, so they were able to get a bunch of it down,” Pfeifer stated. Traffic is currently being managed by flaggers to ensure safety as cleanup continues.
Drivers are advised to remain alert and plan for extended travel times this morning as the one-lane restriction is still in place. While the highway is operational, full two-lane traffic flow may be reinstated soon, pending further assessments.
The emergency work commenced last week in response to potential rock slides, posing a significant risk to both motorists and the roadway. Workers, equipped with climbing gear, utilized inflatable airbags to dislodge rocks, followed by an excavator that navigated the steep slope to clear additional debris.
For real-time updates, motorists can check the Idaho Transportation Department’s travel website at 511.idaho.gov, their main site at bit.ly/3XgQNGM, or follow their Facebook page for the latest information.
This ongoing situation emphasizes the importance of safety on Idaho roads, and the swift action taken by transportation officials aims to protect both lives and infrastructure. Stay tuned for more updates as crews work diligently to restore full access to this vital route.
