Date:  Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Contact: Glenn Schneider, WSDOT Construction Engineer, (360) 905-2005 (Vancouver)
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

CHEHALIS – State Route 6 will remain closed in Pacific and Lewis Counties from the vicinity of Elk Prairie Road (mile post 19) to the vicinity of Meyer Road (mile post 27) for several weeks, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and work crews from a very unstable slope just west of Pe El, at mile post 27.

During the December storm which caused severe damage in Lewis County, a major land slide occurred on SR 6, at mile post 27, just west of Pe El, cutting off access to motorists and creating severely dangerous conditions on the slope above the roadway. While the enormous volume of debris has been cleared off the road, the potential for further slides looms as rainy and windy conditions continue to prevail and much of the loose debris still hangs on the north side of the roadway.

The unstable slope will be repaired as soon as geotechnical experts can drill into the mountain, approximately 300 feet deep, to determine the nature of the slope and what needs to be done in order to stabilize it, making the roadway once again safe for motorists. The drilling work, however, cannot begin until a stretch of dry weather occurs in order to minimize the unsafe conditions for the crews.

“The slope is so dangerous that no work can be performed during times of precipitation for fear of further mudslides,” said Bart Gernhart, WSDOT’s Southwest Region Engineer. “We hope to get out there as soon as we can, but according to the weather forecast, that probably won’t happen until after the first of the year.”

WSDOT is currently installing a portable traffic camera in the area in order to watch any activity during the rainy weather. The camera’s feed will help determine our course of action, and will also be available from the WSDOT website. 


                                                     ###


Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.

< Back to News Home