Jan. 16, 2006
County crews continue efforts to control massive slide near Renton
Sims signs emergency proclamation to speed deployment of resources
King County Executive Ron Sims this morning signed an emergency proclamation allowing the county to expedite the contracting of necessary resources to respond to ongoing storm damage. The proclamation will enable county crews to continue to respond quickly to the massive mudslide on 156th Place Southeast near Renton and any future storm-related problems.
County road crews have been battling to remove tons of debris and mud and control water flowing off the hillside along the Cedar River since early Friday. While workers have been successful in diverting water away from the road and nearby homes, county Department of Resources and Parks Department crews plan to install a large plastic barrier to keep the water contained in a nearby field so additional roads and property are not threatened. While that work is being done, road crews will continue to pump water away from the roadway. Crews hope these efforts will help stabilize the situation and allow the county and homeowners to begin cleaning up. Until the hillside stabilizes, Southeast 148th Street just off of 156th Avenue Southeast above the slide area will remain closed as a precaution.
Meanwhile, all roads closed early last week due to river flooding have reopened with the exception of Dike Road at Preston Fall City Road. The King County Flood Warning Center is also currently closed due to improved conditions. Motorists can monitor the latest road conditions by logging on to King County Alert.
Despite improved road conditions, the county is reminding residents and motorists that more rain could cause renewed flooding and road problems along rivers and in hillside areas of the county. The King County Office of Emergency Management is also closely monitoring conditions and will coordinate requests for resources, as necessary.
