RIGGINS, ID – One lane of U.S. Highway 95 north of Riggins near Fiddle Creek has reopened following a mudslide that completely blocked the roadway on July 4.
The slide occurred at milepost 200.5 between Riggins and Lucile around 3:30 p.m. Friday, prompting a full closure of the highway.
Crews from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) have since cleared a single lane, and traffic is now being directed through the slide zone with the assistance of a pilot car. Drivers are advised to use caution and be prepared to stop when approaching the area.
“We are very pleased to announce that after many hours of hard work that there is a safe pathway through the mudslide,” said Larry Tillinghast, ITD Field Operations Manager. “Even on holidays, our operators heed the call and are ready to tackle any emergency thrown at them. Please give them a wave — they have more work to do before returning to their families.”
ITD continues cleanup operations with heavy equipment and is working to fully reopen the highway as soon as possible. The department expressed appreciation for the public’s patience during the emergency response.
