One lane of U.S. 95 opened through mudslide area

A mudslide on U. S. Highway 95 near Riggins opened one lane Saturday evening after more than 24 hours of closure due to debris blocking the roadway. The Idaho County Sheriff’s Office reported that traffic is being guided by a pilot car through an 8-mile stretch between Lucile and Riggins. The mudslide, which occurred Friday afternoon where Fiddle Creek meets the Salmon River, left mud, rocks, and logs strewn across the highway.

Law enforcement closed the highway from milepost 196 to 204, affecting the only north-south route through central Idaho. The lane was expected to remain operational overnight, but officials warned it might close again on Sunday morning. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining infrastructure in areas prone to natural disasters. Central Idaho has seen similar mudslides in the past, raising concerns about road safety and emergency preparedness. Local authorities are assessing the situation to determine necessary repairs and future preventive measures.