Main road to remote Idaho town blocked by landslide, again
The main road into the remote north-central Idaho town of Elk City has been blocked again by a landslide.
The Lewiston Tribune reports that a hillside bordering State Highway 14 collapsed early Saturday morning, blocking the main route to both Elk City and the neighboring town of Dixie.
It’s the second major slide on the road this year. On Feb. 18 a landslide cut off access to the town, prompting Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter to issue a disaster declaration as workers tried to remove the debris.
Idaho County Commission Chairman Jim Chmelik says road crews are trying to open up a nearby forest road to allow people in and out of the town.
Idaho Transportation Department spokesman Vince Trimboli says the department will open the road as soon as possible, but not until officials know it is safe to do so.