DATE: March 22, 2023
CONTACT: Les Payne, Public Works Director (406) 454-6920
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
Lower River Road Slide Area
Cascade County, Montana –
Cascade County is in the process of studying a landslide area along Lower River Road near the marina.
The slow-moving landslide is gradually undermining the roadway creating deformations in the roadway’s riding surface. Pavement deformations have been an ongoing issue for many years with continued past efforts to maintain the roadway profile. Without continual maintenance, the landslide would likely progress to a point where the deformations in the roadway could become hazardous to the traveling public, particularly if travel speeds are excessive. The County is actively exploring available options to identify possible long-term solutions. In order to temporarily mitigate the situation, Cascade County plans to remove the asphalt section of roadway (approximately 1,000 feet) and regrade the area with treated gravel, which will be more efficient and cost effective to maintain as the landslide investigation progresses and until a more permanent solution is selected and implemented. The removal of the existing asphalt surface will require the roadway to be closed for a period of time with motorists directed to alternate routes. Road closure dates are undetermined at this time and will be dependent on the weather. Advanced warning traffic control signage will be placed in the area. Cascade County appreciates the public’s patience with this process as well as your understanding and cooperation in recognizing the hazard area, obeying all traffic signs, and reducing speeds as conditions require.