Landslide Closes Rainier Avenue South In Seattle, Renton (Update)

SEATTLE, WA - A landslide in Seattle along Rainier Avenue South has closed a nearly 3-1/2 mile stretch of the major artery, and crews are awaiting the delivery of concrete blocks to reinforce the hill - and that process may keep the road closed into the evening commute.

The Seattle Department of Transportation reported around 11 a.m. Thursday that the slide had closed Rainier Avenue between Seward Park Avenue and Renton Avenue Extension. That stretch is more than 3-1/2 miles long.

Traffic was getting around the closure by using Waters Avenue, creating traffic jams along neighborhood streets. The slide is relatively small, contained to about a 50 foot stretch of Rainier Avenue south of the Stone House Cafe.

SDOT workers at the scene said they are awaiting the deliver of concrete blocks to stack up against the hillside. They are also bringing in equipment to change the traffic pattern to open one lane in northbound and southbound directions.

Heavy rains have pounded the area Thursday causing localized and river flooding.

We will update this post as soon as more information is available.

Image via Patch.com