A mudslide on state Route 18 in Auburn has closed the westbound lanes at state Route 167 while geotechnical experts will assess the stability of the slope to determine whether state Department of Transportation crews can safely begin removing the debris.
According to the department, safety is their number one priority right now for both crews and commuters. Crews need adequate daylight to safely and accurately inspect the entire slope.
“We want to open these lanes as quickly as possible,” said Dave McCormick said, WSDOT assistant regional administrator . “But we need to make sure we don’t compromise the safety of our workers and ensure the road remains safe for drivers.”
SR 18 is a heavily traveled route for commuters and freight haulers commuting from east and south King County.
The slide occurred at 10:40 p.m. Thursday and brought down mud, rocks and debris across the highway. The slide is still moving and it is pressing against the middle barrier separating the west and eastbound lanes. There are no plans to close the eastbound lanes at this time, but crews are closely monitoring conditions.
The hillside began moving Thursday morning when a much smaller slide brought down debris near the westbound lanes. As a precaution, WSDOT crews closed the right lane and continued to keep a close eye on the slope.
Know before you go
Drivers who use westbound SR 18 should plan for the closure to remain in place at least through Friday afternoon. The highway is closed at SR 167. Drivers are being detoured onto West Valley Highway and to Peasley Canyon Road to access I-5. Signed detours are in place and drivers will see electronic message signs on SR 18, SR 167 and I-90 advising them of the closure. Westbound SR 18 drivers may also want to consider taking state Route 516, Kent-Kangley Road, to I-5.
