ODOT: Rebuild of Landslide-Damaged Oregon Route 229 Could Take Years
Key Takeaways
- A Dec. 12 landslide destroyed a section of Oregon Route 229, prompting an indefinite closure.
- ODOT says rebuilding the roadway could take years due to unstable ground and extensive damage.
- No local detour is available, and nearby residents were forced to evacuate following the slide.
A section of Oregon Route 229 between Kernville and Siletz remains closed following a Dec. 12 landslide that destroyed the roadway.
According to a press release from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), saturated ground conditions continue to place the area at high risk for additional landslides. The project team is evaluating methods to help the ground dry more quickly, but officials said it is still too early to determine which options may be effective.
Extensive Damage Complicates Reopening Timeline
ODOT noted that the extent of the damage goes well beyond debris removal and will require extensive investigation, design, funding and construction — similar in scope to building an entirely new roadway. Current estimates suggest the reconstruction could take years.
The composition of the landslide varies throughout the site. Some areas experienced large blocks of soil and rock shifting, while others turned into a muddy flow due to the volume of water involved. Teams are unable to access the area on foot because the slope remains unstable and there is potential for additional slides along the edges of the impacted zone, the release states.
According to KOIN, initial estimates for reopening ranged from weeks to months, but the timeline has since been extended as engineers and geotechnical experts continue to assess the damage.
No local detour is available to bypass the closure. ODOT has developed a long-term detour plan and are continues to explore short-term solutions. Detour signage is nearing completion, and updated travel information will be shared once signage is installed, ODOT’s press release states.
The landslide forced the evacuation of five nearby homes, with an additional 10 homes placed on evacuation notice, KOIN reported. Debris from the slide was sent into the nearby Siletz River, and included structures and possibly vehicles.