Rock removal expected to take about 3 weeks once work can begin
information released by WSDOT
We’re back with an update on the SR 971 South Lakeshore Road rockslide! Let’s rock and roll:
We’re pleased to share that there is a plan to reopen a section of SR 971 South Lakeshore Road that’s been closed due to rockslide since March 3 (milepost 9.1-11.5 west of Chelan). We’ve secured funding and are finalizing the emergency contract with our contractor, Access Limited, to clear the rockslide, perform scaling to remove two specifically identified rocks and install rock dowels at two locations on this slope.
Once the contract is finalized (expected Tuesday, April 1 or Wednesday, April 2), the contractor plans to work 6 days a week behind the closure. Depending on the size of the rocks in the debris pile and weather conditions, it’s estimated there is about three weeks of work. Some of this work is weather dependent, so if there’s severe rain or a snow flurries, the timeline could change.
We’ll keep the most updated schedule information on the real time travel map: https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/
The available funding will only cover clearing the slide and a small amount of strategic rock slope repair. This is not a wholistic mitigation for the entire three-fourths mile of exposed rock slope on this section of roadway. Even after the slope repairs, there is always a chance of rock fall. Our crews patrol this stretch of road frequently to check for and clear rock. Travelers should remain alert and drive for visibility conditions in the area. Never get out of your car to remove rock from the road. Instead, get to a safe place and call 911 to report it.
