91ÊÓÆµ

West Hills landslide damage a challenge to fix

By: Sue Vorenberg//January 31, 2011//

West Hills landslide damage a challenge to fix

Sue Vorenberg//January 31, 2011//

Listen to this article

Workers from Multnomah County and independent geotechnical advisers are still investigating a landslide that has left a section of Northwest Thompson Road in the West Hills closed since Jan. 25.

The slide happened on a downhill portion of the road, and underground streams could complicate efforts to shore up the hillside, said Mike Pullen, a spokesman for the county.

“They haven’t decided on the repair yet,” Pullen said. “It would either be something that we could do relatively quickly, but it also might be something larger that requires permitting. They’re weighing the scale of the repair.”

Because crews discovered underground streams that contributed to the slide, the county might have to work with the Department of Environmental Quality to make sure the site is protected before shoring up the hillside, Pullen said.

If that is the case, the road could remain closed for several months, he added.

In the meantime, drivers can get around the area by using Northwest Cornell Road. Thompson Road is often used as a through route by drivers, he added.

“Sometimes we can also open one lane of traffic, but I’m not sure if that will be an option or not,” Pullen said.



News

See All News

Commentary

See All Commentary

COMMUNITY CALENDAR