OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma transportation officials estimate that up to 20,000 tons of fallen rock will have to be removed in order to fully reopen one of the state's busiest thoroughfares.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it brought in experts from Colorado to determine how to repair a portion of Interstate 35 in Murray County, which connects Oklahoma City and Dallas.
An Arbuckle Mountains rockslide caused by downpours from Tropical Depression Bill temporarily shuttered a portion of the highway last week. Officials have since opened one lane in each direction and reduced speeds to 50 mph.
The department is considering blasting unstable rocks and placing rock bolts through the formation to stabilize it. Costs are expected to exceed $750,000.
It's unclear when the work will be completed.