US-12 emergency rock scaling project starts today to reduce likelihood of rockfall

MYRTLE- The Idaho Transportation Department is conducting rock scaling work to stabilize the slope above U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge between mileposts 15 and 16. This effort began today and is expected to continue through the middle of next week. Work will intermittently affect traffic.

Scaling involves wedging and prying debris loose proactively, with rocks falling from the hillside down to the road. Specialized equipment will excavate rock at the top and flatten the slope.

"We are taking a proactive approach by dislodging any unstable material with professional scalers in a controlled setting," Operations and Traffic Engineering Manager Jared Hopkins said. "For the safety of the traveling public, we'll have flaggers there to monitor the slope and stop traffic while workers are scaling."

An anticipated work schedule is as follows and is subject to change based on conditions:

• Tue., Nov. 18 - Thu., Nov 20: Flagging operations with 20-minute delays.
• Fri., Nov. 21 - Sun., Nov. 23: Full closure potentially all day and overnight. Motorists will be detoured to alternative route on State Highway 13 or State Highway 162.
• Mon., Nov. 24 - Wed., Nov. 26: Flagging operations with 20-minute delays until work concludes.

"If the slope becomes too unstable, an extended closure may be needed and drivers will be detoured to State Highway 13 or State Highway 162 in that case," Hopkins said. "As work continues, we may allow traffic to flow without being stopped during work if it is safe to do so."

Up-to-date traffic information can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app.