State Route 7 Remains Closed Near Alder After Rockslides

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — A six-mile section of State Route 7 will remain closed into the New Year after heavy rains triggered several rockslides near Alder last week. The Washington State Department of Transportation said drivers will need to detour via the Alder Cutoff Road East and State Route 161, adding an estimated 10 minutes to most trips. Overweight vehicles can detour via US 12, Interstate 5, State Route 507, and State Route 702. Local access will be allowed.

WSDOT said maintenance crews will work over the next two weeks to remove debris and lengthen a temporary barrier on the shoulder to contain further debris. When the road does reopen, traffic will alternate through a single lane until permanent repairs can be put in place. Inspectors recommended installing more wire netting along the hillside to prevent more rocks from falling onto the highway in the future.

Related: Record Rainfall Brings Flooding, Mudslides To Western Washington