Monday, July 19, 2010

Landslide on Hwy 101

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2010/07/landslide_closes_four_lanes_of_highway_101_in_north_bend.html

NORTH BEND – The north and southbound lanes of Highway 101 near milepost 236 remain blocked after a landslide caused up to 8 feet of debris to fill the road around 2 p.m. Sunday.

Dan Latham, public information officer for the Oregon Department of Transportation, said the landslide occurred after a fire on the hillside Saturday caused the area to become saturated with water.

It was still unclear if the water was from a pipe that burst during the fire or if it came from water used to fight the flames, Latham said.

Gary Leaming, public information officer for ODOT added that as of Sunday night, 700 yards of debris equaling 7 dump truck loads had been moved from the roadway.

The rubble covered all four lanes and shoulders of the highway. Detours are currently in place with drivers being advised to take Newmark Street and Sherman Avenue.

Crews are cleaning the area but the section is not expected to open to any traffic until early Monday morning.

-- Natalie Flynn