LINCOLN CITY, Ore. (KATU) — Oregon Highway 229 is expected to remain closed for “several days” following a large landslide on Friday.
The landslide occurred between mileposts 14 and 15, between milepost 14 and 15, between Kernville and Siletz. The slide took out a large portion of the highway, ODOT said.
Crews flew a drone over the area Friday to get a better idea of the extent of the damage.
Five homes were located in the area of the landslide. Three of those homes sustained “substantial” damage during the event, according to ODOT. All residents in the area have been accounted for and safely evacuated, ODOT said.
The landslide occurred after several days of heavy rain and high water, brought on by a passing “atmospheric river” winter storm.
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This latest incident is just one of several that ODOT crews have responded to since the storm struck the state, including emergency repairs to a sunken grade area near milepost 9 on Highway 229 on Wednesday, ODOT said.
It is unclear exactly how long the highway will remain closed.
“ODOT geotechnical crews will need time to assess the slope and determine next steps before a timeline can be established,” a department spokesperson said, in part, in an updated statement about the landslide.
According to ODOT, there is no detour available. Drivers should avoid the area and plan alternate routes.
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This is a developing story. Check back with KATU for updates.
