Highway 530 Will Take Months To Clear

The Washington State Department of Transportation says it could take up to three months to clear debris from the mile-long stretch of State Route 530 covered by the Oso mudslide.

The task at hand is massive. WSDOT says it needs to move 100,000 cubic yards of material before the road can reopen.

Right now direct access between the town of Darrington and the Interstate 5 corridor is blocked, adding hours to commutes that used to take much less time.

Darrington residents however may soon get some relief. Transportation officials told them Monday night the access road currently being used by emergency vehicles may be opened to allow limited traffic.

In the meantime there will be more meetings. WSDOT and Snohomish County officials will meet with residents in Oso tonight at the town’s Community Chapel. Another meeting is planned for Wednesday evening in Arlington.