update #3: 4:00 p.m. 11/19/2021
ID-55 between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley Road will remain closed through the Thanksgiving weekend following a large rockslide that occurred on Thursday (Nov. 18) afternoon.
Geotechnical experts are onsite evaluating the safety and stability of the slope, along with determining how much material needs to be removed. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) recommends holiday travelers make plans to use U.S. 95 as an alternate route. The rockslide occurred during a scheduled road closure and no one was injured.
Construction crews are expected to begin clearing the road later this weekend. Crews will remove the large amount of material as quickly and safely as possible, weather permitting. ITD will provide regular updates of progress in clearing the road and evaluating the safety of the slope prior to the road reopening.
For regular updates drivers can check Idaho 511 or the project website at itdprojects.org/id55smithsferry.
UPDATE #2: 10:30 A.M. 11/19/2021
ID-55 near Smiths Ferry remains closed in both directions while experts assess the slide. ITD is working diligently to safely open the road to traffic and will provide an update late this afternoon, Nov. 19, so travelers can make appropriate plans.
“We understand the inconvenience closing down the road causes, but our objective is to ensure the corridor is safe for travel,” said Jason Brinkman, ITD District 3 Engineering Manager. “These decisions are not taken lightly. We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we work to clear the debris and reopen the road safely.”
ITD continues to advise motorists to use U.S. 95 as an alternate route.
UPDATE #1: 3:50 P.M. 11/18/2021
ID-55 will be closed in both directions at least until tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 19, while crews assess the slide. Use U.S. 95 as alternate route.
ORIGINAL POST: 2:45 P.M. 11/18/2021
ID-55 will be closed in both directions until further notice, due to a rockslide. Please use U.S. 95 as alternate route. Updates will be posted on this blog as well as on the project website. You can also sign up for email and text alerts.
PHONE: (833)913-ID55
EMAIL: info@ID55smithsferry.com
ONLINE: itdprojects.org/ID55smithsferry
Source: Idaho DMV