UPDATE: Rock scaling on U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow, Idaho has reached completion, but the highway remains restricted to one lane as cleanup efforts are currently underway. The Idaho Transportation Department confirmed that debris removal began after work crews finished early yesterday, around 4 p.m., following a day of extensive operations.
Motorists should expect ongoing delays of up to 20 minutes this morning due to flaggers managing traffic. “The material was pretty crumbly, so they were able to get a bunch of it down,” said spokesperson Mark Pfeifer. He indicated that while one lane is open now, two-lane traffic flow could potentially be restored in the near future.
The emergency work, initiated last week, was critical for ensuring the safety of both drivers and the highway itself against potential rock slides. Crews utilized climbing gear to release precarious rocks through inflatable airbags, followed by an excavator that worked on the nearly vertical slope to clear away additional debris.
As cleanup progresses, motorists are urged to stay informed. The Idaho Transportation Department is providing real-time updates on their travel website at 511.idaho.gov, their main site at bit.ly/3XgQNGM, and their official Facebook page.
Stay tuned for further developments as authorities work diligently to ensure a safe and efficient reopening of U.S. Highway 12.
