This report today from The Washington State Department of Transportation, about a mudslide blocking an important route between Astoria and Naselle:
Rocks and a mudslide on SR 401 southbound at milepost 2 has both lanes blocked by debris since 11:00 am today [Wednesday] until further notice.
For reference, Route 401 is the road drivers are on if they go across the Megler Bridge from Astoria to Washington, and turn right at the far side of the bridge.
There is a full closure between mileposts 0 – 9 between the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Knappton Road, until a Geo Tech can determine there is no more debris coming down.
Motorists must use US 101 as an alternate route. Drivers can take 101 by turning left (west) at the Washington side of the Megler Bridge. and driving around through Chinook to connect with Route 4.
The Naselle Grays River Valley School District posted on their Facebook page on Wednesday how this is affecting their bus service for students:
“Due to the rock slide on Highway 401 near the Astoria Bridge, all Chinook-area students, who ride the bus, will be dropped off at the coffee shop about 10 minutes LATER than normal today. The bus will not go farther than the coffee shop. In the morning, the bus will travel the Bay Road and plan to arrive at the coffee shop about 10 minutes EARLIER than normal (7 a.m.), but, once again, not travel beyond the coffee shop. This will remain the plan until the road opens.”