Closures In Place After Slide In Indiana Twp.
INDIANA TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- Efforts to clear away the mess of yet another landslide got underway overnight, this time in Indiana Township.
The land started to give way around 11 p.m. Wednesday between Rich Hill Road and Little Creek Road. Lefever Hill Road has been closed until further notice.
The slow-moving but persistent slide also brought down wires overnight, which knocked out power to about 200 homes. Officials say the phone and power lines cannot be fixed until the hill is stable.
KDKA's Ross Guidotti reports that as of noon dirt, mud and debris remain on the roadway, but PennDOT has removed more than 20 full dump trucks of mud, clay and trees that slid down the hillside. If the rain continues, more could slide.
Officials with PennDOT say engineers will examine the area this afternoon and believe the roadway could remain closed for an extended period.
Traffic is being detoured through Little Deer Creek Road to Michael Road to Rich Hill Road.
According to PennDOT, there are some 20 to 30 active landslides presently in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties.
On Wednesday, PennDOT reopened one northbound lane of Route 65 in Glenfield Borough after a rockslide there, but more closures are expected in the next few days. Crews have installed a barrier along the hillside.
Officials with PennDOT say contractors will begin using a crane on Friday to remove debris from the hillside.
That work will happened from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. During those hours, northbound Route 65 will be closed to traffic. Signs will be posted to get drivers around a detour.
Meanwhile, it's expected to take three to four weeks to remove boulders from Route 88 in Bethlehem Township. The giant rocks fell on the road last weekend.
Special equipment has been brought in to help clear the road.
RELATED LINKS:
PennDOT
511pa.com
Indiana Township
Landslide Closes Road In Indiana Township
Northbound Lane Of Route 65 Open After Landslide In Glenfield
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