SR 87 Landslide Keeps Crews Busy Over Easter Weekend

On Friday, March 21, Mother Nature threw a curve ball at motorists heading north for the Easter weekend. A "river of sand which undermined the asphalt," occured near Slate Creek Hill on the west side of State Route 87, also referred to as the Beeline Highway on Friday afternoon, according to ADOT officials. ADOT crews worked through the weekend to stablize the easterly landslide and appreciate the understanding of motorists who were rerouted through Globe and the Roosevelt Lake area over the holiday weekend. The U.S. Forest, which owns the slope above the highway, worked with ADOT crews and engineers to excavate the slope in an effort to make it safer for motorists. "We are so thankful that no motorists were injured and no cars were damaged," said ADOT spokesperson Bill Williams. He added that the "Gila County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Public Safety deserve a pat on the back for all their help." ADOT is hesitant at this point in time to predict when the roadway will reopen. Motorists can dial 511 for updates on roadway information or go to ADOT's website at www.az511.gov. Aerial photos are courtesy of Arizona Department of Public Safety and ADOT.