RIGGINS, Idaho — More than a month after huge boulders crashed down the hillside onto Highway 95, blocking the road completely, officials say it is safe to travel through the area at night.
The stretch of Highway 95 south of Riggins reopened to overnight travel Tuesday night. Previously, cars had been allowed through only during daylight hours.
“We have worked with our geotechnical experts to establish a monitoring and lighting system that allows us to continually observe and survey the slope,” Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said. “Now that we can do it safely outside of daylight hours, opening up for nighttime travel will better serve our customers who need to make deliveries at night.”
The initial rockslide happened July 3. Crews were in the process of clearing that debris when a second slide occurred, burying the road further.
Drivers are still being directed through the area on a temporary road, and it's unclear when the highway will be completely cleared. Traffic lights have been set up in the area.
Idaho Transportation Department officials say the temporary road will be open 24/7, unless crews need to shut it down for additional safety work or for repairs.
“This slide has proven to be a complicated issue, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience as we work to resolve it in a safe manner,” Hopkins said.