Rockslide update: Highway 55 near Smiths Ferry closed through Monday afternoon
The Idaho Transportation Department announced Idaho State Highway 55 between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley Road will remain closed in both directions at least through Monday afternoon.
The closure was caused by a rockslide that occurred Saturday night. ITD will provide another update Monday afternoon about when the road could reopen.
Travelers are advised to use U.S. Highway 95 as an alternate route between Valley County and the Treasure Valley. Experts will head to the site tomorrow.
”Geotechnical experts will assess the stability of the hillside and determine how to reopen the route safely,” a news release said.
This marks the third rockslide in the past year near Rainbow Bridge, located about 20 miles from Cascade. A different section saw a November rockslide that closed the highway for 18 days. Another occurred in March along the same stretch of highway.
“The Idaho Transportation Department appreciates the continued patience of the public with another rockslide while crews work to reopen the highway as soon as possible,” a news release said. “It is critical to take the time to assess the stability of the slope and ensure it’s safe to reopen the road to the traveling public.”
ITD has been working on a project in the area to expand the road since September 2020. It is expected to be completed this fall. The area is a popular route for those traveling between the Boise and McCall and Cascade areas.
Updates on the ongoing situation can be found at itdprojects.org/id55smithsferry.
This story was originally published January 23, 2022 at 4:07 PM.
