UPDATE 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29
South River Road will remain closed following a landslide Sunday as the city waits for a contractor to remove debris.
A geologist and Salem engineers assessed the slide Monday, said Trevor Smith, city spokesman.
“The evaluation revealed sections of the hillside that will require further work to remove loose rock on the bluff before the street can be reopened to north and southbound traffic safely,” Smith said in an email.
A contractor is scheduled to begin work Wednesday.
The city will open one lane of travel using flaggers when it’s safe to do so, Smith said.
UPDATE: 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 – City releases photos of the slide.
A landslide has closed South River Road as city crews evaluate the conditions.
The road is closed from Owens Street South to the entrance of Minto-Brown Island Park. The park remains open.
Trevor Smith, city public information officer, said in a release Sunday, Jan. 28, that about 30 cubic yards of material is blocking the road. That’s equal to about three dump truck loads.
“This closure will remain in effect while cleanup and geotechnical assessment activities are taking place,” the statement said.
The slide occurred north of the park entrance in an area where slides have occurred before.
The city is recommending motorists detour using Acacia Drive South, Schurman Drive South or Croisan Creek Road South.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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