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Landslides Prompt Closures On Oregon Route 350 Between Joseph And Imnaha

<p>Debris covers Oregon Route 350 from landslides that closed the highway between Joseph and Imnaha.</p>

Courtesy of Amanda McHatton

Debris covers Oregon Route 350 from landslides that closed the highway between Joseph and Imnaha.

At least three landslides — one that spanned somewhere between 75 to 100 feet — have prompted closures along Oregon Route 350 between Joseph and Imnaha in Eastern Oregon Saturday morning. Drivers are being asked to take an alternate route.

The landslides were caused by rainfall and loose soil along the highway. It's even led to undercutting, or water flow that erodes supporting soil underneath a highway structure.

"So basically the potential of collapse exists," said Peter Murphy, a public information officer with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Two of the landslides were cleared, though the 29.4-mile stretch of road will be closed all day Saturday as crews attempt to clear a path through the largest of the three slides.

Only emergency traffic will be allowed to pass overnight Saturday. Murphy says the road can't reopen until a geologist can examine the damage to the road.

"We have to bring in experts who can tell us the extent of the damage and the potential; we don't want to put vehicles on it if there's any chance that it's going to give way," Murphy said.

"On a weekend like this it's been difficult to round people up — it's Memorial Day , people are out of town and also this is in a bit of a remote location."

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2018 Oregon Public Broadcasting

Ericka Cruz Guevarra