Update: After high water crumbles part of Highway 21, access to Stanley is restored
Idaho 21 to Stanley has reopened after briefly being closed thanks to a 10-plus mile stretch of road that began to crumble after being undercut by high, fast-flowing water.
The 10-plus mile closure comprised an area where the highway meets Canyon Creek, said ITD spokeswoman Jennifer Gonzalez.
SH-21 near Stanley remains closed. Crews are working to repair this damaged section of road before any vehicles are permitted back on it. pic.twitter.com/w3QFbpRKMS
— ITD (@IdahoITD) June 5, 2017
Gonzalez on Monday said crews were working to stabilize the road, but there was no estimate as to how long a repair may take. It’s not clear whether additional closures may be necessary in the future to complete further repairs.
“I think this is just an example of a winter and spring that’s record-setting,” Gonzalez said. “It’s Mother Nature.”
Gonzalez said such a closure is unusual. Crews are keeping an eye on the rest of Idaho 21 to ensure the roadway is stable.
Earlier in the year, sections of the highway were closed due to avalanche risk and deep snowfall up to 60 feet that covered the roadway. Gonzalez said the closures were unrelated.
This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Update: After high water crumbles part of Highway 21, access to Stanley is restored."