State Department of Transportation crews were still working Tuesday morning to remove truckloads of landslide debris that have kept State Route 109 at milepost two in Hoquiam closed since Thursday morning.

The slide, which is just outside Hoquiam on the road to Ocean Shores, has meant travelers between the two towns have had to take detours adding about 20 minutes to the trip each way.

“The highway remains closed until further notice. … Our crews continue to make good progress toward reopening,” said Doug Adamson, WSDOT communications.

In addition to removing debris from the slide, the crews are installing concrete “Jersey” barriers on the shoulder that are intended to help prevent additional debris from blocking the road, said Adamson.

During the closure, drivers can follow detour signs, he said.

There was some discussion last week between the City of Hoquiam and the state as to who was responsible for cleaning up the slide and reopening the road, according to City Administrator Brian Shay. WSDOT took control of the operation on Friday morning, he said.

Besides inconveniencing travelers, the road closure has had an impact on some local businesses, especially Lytle Seafoods which is closed pending reopening of the road. Owner Mike Lytle said at the Hoquiam City Council meeting on Tuesday that the closure has cost him significant business and that he’s having to tell workers to stay home until the road is open. Lytle said his retail store has been closed since Thursday and that he just threw away 60 crabs due to the closure. He said he’s hopeful that the road will reopen and his retail customers will be able to return before Super Bowl Sunday.