ITD studies slope stability safety on U.S. 26 east of Swan Valley - East Idaho News
Idaho

ITD studies slope stability safety on U.S. 26 east of Swan Valley

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The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Transportation.

RIGBY – Highways through mountainous areas are susceptible to rockfall, and rocks on the road endanger motorists.

U.S. 26 east of Swan Valley, is one example where unstable terrain and aging embankments shed loose rock almost daily.

It keeps maintenance crews busy year-round.

To address the problem, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is evaluating the stability of slopes along the road. Results of ITD’s study will enable the agency to plan road improvements and to learn how such improvements could impact slope durability.

Researchers have completed most of the field work for the study and will finish the investigation in the next few months. Plans are to:

– Draft a subsurface exploration program to better define geotechnical conditions at landslides and embankments.

– Conduct a surface exploration program to adequately define slope characteristics for future cuts into rock cliffs.

– Compile a database of study results relevant to the anticipated reconstruction area.

– Create interactive mapping applications for internal needs and stakeholder involvement.

Researchers also are preparing web-based applications to exhibit, display and share results of findings. Engineers use the findings to recommend road realignments.

Web applications will facilitate geotechnical monitoring needed for realignment design, given the steep terrain.

Engineers apply geotechnical engineering and geographic information system (GIS) datasets in performing the work.

ITD awarded the $200,000 contract for the “U.S. 26 Swan Valley Geotechnical Planning Study” to Landslide Technology, of Portland, Ore.

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