Fourth slide in two weeks closes part of Chuckanut Drive

ANNA WALTERS - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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The fourth rockslide in two weeks hit Chuckanut Drive around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, partially closing a section of the road four miles south of the Whatcom-Skagit County line.

Crews were able to clear a dump truck-sized load of rocks off the road at milepost 9.7, according to the state Department of Transportation.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, crews will close both lanes and begin to remove loose rock and debris from the hillside responsible for the slide. During the work, which is expected to take place over the next two to four days, crews will intermittently open one lane of traffic during the day. One lane will remain open at night.

The DOT suggests drivers avoid the area until the work is complete.

The new slide adds more traffic limitations to Chuckanut Drive, which is already closed for about one to two weeks near Oyster Creek due to previous rock slides.

The Oyster Bar Restaurant and Taylor Shellfish Farm, which sit in between the slide areas, plan to be open regular hours during the closure. For others, call ahead.