Active Slide Closes Hwy. 101, Dec. 22

US 101 will remain closed indefinitely to pedestrians, bicyclists, and all but emergency vehicles approximately 12 miles north of Florence in Lane County (MP 177) where heavy rains, an active landslide, and a failing retaining wall have resulted in damage to the roadway. ODOT is taking steps to manage water accumulations near the roadway which can contribute to slide activity. Those steps, along with diminishing rainfall, may allow the road to be reopened to a single lane of traffic controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Any decision on partially reopening the roadway will not be made until Monday. An updated release will be issued when the decision is made. Travelers will have to choose an alternate route to the Central Coast, as there is no detour available.Northbound traffic is being turned around at Sea Lion Caves (MP 179.1). Southbound traffic is being turned around at the Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park (MP 176.3). Nighttime video of the location was shot last evening and is available for media use at: ftp://ftp.odot.state.or.us/outgoing/hw101_mp177/hw101_mp177.VOB