Another slide blocks SR 109 just west of Hoquiam city limits

No ETA for reopening

Another slide has blocked State Route 109 just west of Hoquiam — this one coming down early Sunday afternoon.

The slide came down around 2 p.m., bringing with it a large amount of dirt, rock and large trees.

There were no updates Monday morning from the state Department of Transportation, which is responsible for removing the slide. A post Sunday evening said the roadway would be closed “for at least 24 hours,” and that geotechnical crews would look at the situation Monday morning to determine the stability of the hillside before starting cleanup efforts.

Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers said Sunday shortly after the slide that it appeared to be a bit west of the last slide, which closed the roadway for about 10 hours during heavy rains Friday, Jan. 8. He described Sunday’s slide as “just outside the city limits of Hoquiam between Grays Harbor Boulevard and Broadway Hill.” Photos from the scene show the slide just yards west of the Hoquiam city limits sign.

The state Department of Transportation said the roadway is closed on the east side of the slide at Grays Harbor Boulevard, milepost 3.

The signed detour route uses State Route 109, Powell Road, Ocean Beach Road, Highway 101 and the State Route 109 spur. Delay times will vary depending on traffic and just where you’re heading. A commuter Monday morning said his morning drive from Ocean Shores to downtown Aberdeen took about 10 minutes longer than usual.

There is not estimated time for the roadway to reopen. Travelers should be prepared for extended travel times and to use the signed detour for the time being.

STEVE SWANSON PHOTO 
Canoeist Steve Swanson returned from an outing to Ned’s Rock Sunday and found the latest landslide covering State Route 109 near where his group had parked.

STEVE SWANSON PHOTO Canoeist Steve Swanson returned from an outing to Ned’s Rock Sunday and found the latest landslide covering State Route 109 near where his group had parked.

STEVE SWANSON PHOTO 
Steve Swanson captured this image of the State Route 109 slide west of Hoquiam returning from a canoe trip Sunday.

STEVE SWANSON PHOTO Steve Swanson captured this image of the State Route 109 slide west of Hoquiam returning from a canoe trip Sunday.

This image from the state Department of Transportation shows the detour route around the State Route 109 slide just west of Hoquiam.

This image from the state Department of Transportation shows the detour route around the State Route 109 slide just west of Hoquiam.