February 3rd, 2016 by WCBC Radio
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration started a $2.7 million project last week to stabilize the rock face on the mountainside along state Route 135 near Savage River Road, not far from the Allegany/Garrett County line.
The mountainside was unstable and caused a rockslide on Jan. 2. The repair may take up to 20 weeks, weather permitting.
“Based on data collected from SHA’s engineering geologists and other experts in this field, the rock face of the mountainside is highly unstable and emergency measures are required to prevent further rock slides,” said SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford. “Safety is our number one priority and we are taking measures to lessen the chances of another rock slide.”
Although this repair will stabilize the mountain’s rock face, it is not considered permanent and engineering geologists are developing a long-term solution.
SHA established a containment area with a concrete barrier to catch any unstable rocks and protect motorists, as well as the pavement on Route 135. Traffic is being controlled through this area by a temporary traffic signal. Motorists should plan an extra 15 minutes of travel time.
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