More traffic allowed on access road around Oso slide
May 8, 2014, 3:04 PM | Updated: 3:45 pm
Improvements to the local access road in the Oso slide zone means more traffic is now allowed.
The primitive one-lane road, built to help in search operations after the March 22 landslide that killed 41 people, is now stout enough to handle trailers up to 24-feet, logging trucks 24-7, schools buses, RVs and even semi-trucks with trailers up to 33-feet.
The Washington State Department of Transportation announced the changes after what it called “a week of smooth operation” on the Seattle City Light Access Road.
Weight restrictions have been lifted. Previously, there was a 15,000 pound limit, but all legal loads are now allowed. Drivers are warned that they must maneuver steep grades of up to 18 percent.
The access road remains open only to local traffic or for business deliveries and it still includes a tight corner that requires some skilled driving.
