UPDATE: Rock scaling on U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow, Idaho, has just been completed, but motorists should brace for delays as cleanup efforts are underway. The highway, which reopened to one lane at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday, will remain restricted while teams work to remove debris from above the route.
Idaho Transportation Department spokesperson Mark Pfeifer confirmed that the scaling and excavation work, which had closed the highway for much of the day, finished about two hours ahead of schedule. “The material was pretty crumbly so they were able to get a bunch of it down,” Pfeifer stated. Cleanup efforts are actively taking place, but drivers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes this morning as flaggers manage traffic flow.
The emergency work commenced last week and was initiated to safeguard motorists and the highway from potential rock slides. Workers, equipped with climbing gear, used inflatable airbags to release rocks, followed by an excavator navigating the steep slope to clear additional debris.
Motorists are advised to stay updated on the situation, as it is possible that two-lane traffic flow may be restored soon. For real-time updates, officials recommend visiting the Idaho Transportation Department’s travel website at 511.idaho.gov, their main site at bit.ly/3XgQNGM, or their official Facebook page.
This latest development underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure road safety in the region, and it remains critical for drivers to remain alert while traveling through affected areas. Expect further updates as cleanup progresses.
