LEWISTON, Idaho (News Release) – Crews are shortening the boundary of the limited-access road at the base of the Idaho 14 landslide, reducing the time it takes pilot cars to traverse from one end of the slide to the other during the twice-daily openings to general traffic. The limits on the western side are being shortened by 2.5 miles.

The openings are from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day, for general traffic. Emergency and essential traffic is given priority at all times, and those trips outside of regular times are coordinated by ITD, the contractor and the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office.

Spotters are stationed on the hillside and alert pilot cars when there is activity in the slide area that could compromise the safety of travelers.

Nighttime travel is not authorized by ITD, and is highly discouraged because of the stability of the slide area.

Geological testing is being used to determine the parameters of excavation. Three test bores, each at least 75 feet deep, have been performed by crews to analyze rock formation and properties.

The contractor, West Co., is working on removing slide materials, and weekend work will focus on reducing oversized boulders. Tree removal will then continue, followed by removal of slide material from the top down.

The catchment at the base of the slide, between the slide and the 10-foot-high elevated road, is expected to be finished by the end of the day.

More From News Radio 1310 KLIX