MYRTLE, ID— An emergency rock scaling project is underway along U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge, where Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) crews began work Tuesday to reduce the risk of future rockfall. The stabilization effort is taking place between mileposts 15 and 16 and is expected to continue through the middle of next week.
According to ITD, professional rock scalers are dislodging unstable material in a controlled environment to prevent unexpected rockfall onto the highway. Specialized equipment is also being used to excavate rock from the upper slope and reshape sections of the hillside.
“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.”
Traffic Impacts and Expected Schedule
Motorists should plan for periods of flagging, delays, and possible multi-day road closures as the project progresses. The schedule is subject to change depending on slope conditions:
- Nov. 18–20: Flagging operations with delays of up to 20 minutes
- Nov. 21–23: Full closures likely throughout the day and overnight; detours available via State Highway 13 or State Highway 162
- Nov. 24–26: Flagging with 20-minute delays until project completion
Hopkins noted that if the slope becomes increasingly unstable, prolonged closures may be necessary. Conversely, if conditions allow, traffic may be permitted to pass through without extended stops.
