Moon Pass open, rockslide cleared
An overhead shot of the rock slide that previously had blocked the road headed over Moon Pass.
Courtesy photo
WALLACE — Moon Pass is officially open.
After three months of work to clear a rockslide that occurred in early April, Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke announced the pass would be open at 5 p.m. Thursday.
More than 10,000 cubic yards of debris were cleared, crushed and returned as gravel to rebuild the road.
The road is a popular summer route that allows people to access the southern region of Shoshone County without having to take Highway 3 through St. Maries.
“Please use caution while traveling the pass, as shoulder areas are still soft. As a friendly reminder, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour,” Stutzke said. “During the first few weeks of July, crews will be performing spot work on Moon Pass, but the road will remain open.”
According to previous reports from Stutzke, clearing the rockslide and restoring the road cost approximately $350,000, but much of that was covered through state and federal emergency funds.
Earlier this month, Idaho Gov. Brad Little declared the slide an emergency at the state level, which was sent to President Joe Biden, who made a major disaster declaration. Biden’s declaration allowed the county to secure funding reimbursement through FEMA for the work completed. These different reimbursement programs reduced the county’s cost share of the project to 10% of the total cost.
“I would like to thank the community for their patience during the closure and would especially like to thank our employees who worked long hours to clear the slide and repair the roadway,” Stutzke said. “There may be additional work completed on the pass later this season, and I will notify the public if necessary.”