In a turn of events that defied expectations, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) managed to clear extensive landslide debris and reopen major roads well ahead of schedule, bringing relief to the city's commuters. According to a press release by PBOT, NW Cornell Road and one lane of NW Thompson Road were reopened to traffic earlier than anticipated, after their closure due to landslides on Sunday.
NW Cornell Road, which had been closed to all travelers between NW Skyline and NW Thompson Road, welcomed vehicles back before noon today. The efficient PBOT crews managed to remove a substantial 30 cubic yards of material, accounting for two full dump truck loads. Similarly, the westbound travel lane on NW Thompson was made accessible before 2 p.m. after the removal of 38 cubic yards of debris, requiring the use of two and a half dump trucks.
The landslides, a direct consequence of the weekend's heavy rainfall, marked the first such disruptions on major thoroughfares this winter. While PBOT crews had previously addressed several smaller slides affecting less-traveled streets earlier this season, the latest incidents posed a significant challenge due to their size and impact on more heavily trafficked routes.
Complicating the situation, high winds and continuous rainfall tonight are forecasted to potentially trigger additional landslides. Such conditions could further jeopardize the hillside stability, resulting in more trees, rocks, and other materials to come tumbling down. PBOT underscores the importance of community awareness in reporting landslides, offering guidelines on their website on how to effectively and safely report landslides, floods, and the availability of sandbags.
For reporting landslides, PBOT provides clear directives depending on the severity and location of the incident. Immediate threats to public safety should be followed by an evacuation and a call to 9-1-1 once safe. Landslides blocking streets or sidewalks that do not pose an immediate danger can be reported to the PBOT Maintenance Dispatch available 24/7 at 503-823-1700. In instances where landslides occur on private property without threatening public safety or public right-of-way, the Portland Permitting & Development should be contacted at 503-823-2633.
