Gem State Wire

U.S. Highway 95 remains closed between Council and New Meadows after a landslide caused several hundred feet of the roadway shoulder to slide downhill at milepost 146.5 along the Weiser River. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon following continuous rainfall.

Engineering crews assessed the damage this morning to make repair decisions, and a drill crew is scheduled to investigate soil and slide information tomorrow for a potential retaining wall.

“We aim to have one lane opened at some point this week, but just for cars,” stated District Engineer Jason Brinkman. “We are concerned about allowing wider, heavier commercial vehicles on this narrow area until the repair work is complete.”

Regional traffic is advised to use State Highway 55 as an alternative route since no traffic is permitted through the landslide area. Only residents living between Council and Glendale south of the slide and between Pine Ridge and New Meadows north of the site can access those areas. Other drivers are being redirected at barricades in Council and New Meadows.

The Idaho Transportation Department had already been monitoring this specific area for storm damage concerns. “These natural weather events are nearly impossible to predict,” Brinkman noted. “Fortunately, given this season of storms, we are ready to respond and expedite this project.”

It may take weeks before the highway fully reopens. Motorists should check 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app, or call 511 for updates on the closure.