PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Less than a month after a massive landslide led to the partial closure of an Oregon highway, officials believe repairing it could take much longer than expected.
Although it’s “too early to set a detailed timeline,” the Oregon Department of Transportation has estimated the full rebuilding of OR 229 could span across several years. The roadway has been closed between milepost 14 and 15 from Kernville to Siletz since a landslide occurred on Dec. 12.
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At the time, officials projected the highway could potentially be fixed in a matter of weeks or months. But the projected timeline has been extended as engineers and geotechnical experts with the transportation department assess the damage.
“Water continues to be one of the biggest challenges at the site and is a key factor affecting the timeline to reopen the highway,” ODOT said in a release. “Saturated ground conditions limit access and increase the risk of additional movement or new slides. The project team is looking at ways to help the area dry faster, but it’s too early to know what options might work.”…