Evans Riceville Road, a Cascade County road, is reduced to one lane of traffic due to a slide caused by the heavy rainfall.
A portion of the northbound lane failed and slid down the mountainside on June 1, according to county public works.
County public works crews and local engineers responded to the road, located south of Belt about four miles off Highway 89, and have reduced it to a single lane of traffic.
Crews will continue to closely monitor conditions this week to determine if any additional movement toward the roadway centerline occurs.
At this time, county officials don’t anticipate a complete closure of the road, but it depends on road conditions and stability.
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The public is asked to avoid hauling heavy loads through the affected area to help preserve the remaining travel lane and motorists should use caution, watch for oncoming traffic and remain alert for shifting soil or debris, and follow all posted traffic control devices.
Large trucks, oversized vehicles, and heavy loads are prohibited from using this section of Evans Riceville Road, according to Cascade County Public Works.
If necessary, travelers are encouraged to access Evans Riceville Road from the Stockett side as an alternate route.
Les Payne, county public works director, told The Electric that it’s a heavily trafficked road for access to Sluice Boxes State Park and is also a Malmstrom Air Force Base missile road.
Payne said there’s a missile site about a mile past the slide, so he’s been working with base officials directly.
He said there’s no repair cost estimate yet, but because of how public works manages its budget, in most cases, it can cover unexpected costs within the same budget cycle.
Since it’s a missile road, Payne said he’ll also ask the Air Force to contribute to repair costs.
For more information, contact the Cascade County Public Works Department at 406-454-6920.
*Photo courtesy of Cascade County Public Works
