| Weather update: Sinkhole results in closure of Beef Bend Road at 146th Avenue  A sinkhole on Beef Bend Road at 146th Avenue resulted in closure of the road, 1.7 miles west of Highway 99W, effective Tuesday, Dec. 22.
The hole is about 2 feet in diameter on the surface, but widens below the road, extending into a travel lane. It is estimated to be about 20 feet deep. There is water at the bottom of the hole, and a section of culvert appears to be broken. Inspectors and engineers are developing a repair plan. The road is expected to remain closed indefinitely. All travelers, including bicyclists and pedestrians, must use alternate routes. Replacement of the washed-out culvert on Timber Road is already underway. Pihl Excavating Inc. plans to complete the installation of the new culvert on Wednesday. Timber Road will reopen the week of Dec. 28, if weather conditions allow. Rain has prevented repairs to the 229th Avenue bridge. Crews remain optimistic that the weather will cooperate long enough for repairs to be completed by Jan. 4. If the repairs are not completed, ODOT will require the bridge's weight limit to be reduced to 3 tons. Crews continue to respond to all emergency situations on County roads promptly. This includes reports of 24 downed trees resulting from high winds on Monday, Dec. 21. Of those 24, 22 locations were cleared within than 24 hours.
Rain is expected to continue through the week, tapering off by Christmas Day (Friday), according to the National Weather Service. As weather conditions improve, crews will begin repairing damaged shoulders, drainage ditches, small slides, and potholes. Repairs are being prioritized to take advantage of favorable conditions. To report road issues, use this online submission form. For the latest information on road conditions, visit wc-roads.com. Media release Countywide |
