EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - The Washington state Transportation Department says it plans to open a limited-use access road around the Oso mudslide on Tuesday to allow local residents to travel directly between Arlington and Darrington.
KING-TV reports (https://is.gd/K9MzMR ) that Washington DOT spokesman Travis Phelps says pilot cars will lead traffic along the road, which has been used by Seattle City Light to maintain high-tension power lines. Rock has been added to the road, as well as pavement in some cases.
Phelps says travelers will be limited to 10 mph but it’s still expected to be faster than the 1 ½ to two-hour detour through Skagit County that residents have faced since the March 22 mudslide.
Washington State Patrol troopers will monitor access. Heavy trucks will still need to detour but logging trucks are expected to be allowed.
The mudslide buried a section of Highway 530. The Transportation Department hopes to have at least one lane opened by this fall.
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Information from: KING-TV, https://www.king5.com/
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