Major landslide brings closure of SR-208 through Wilson Canyon in Lyon County
The Nevada Department of Transportation is advising drivers to expect State Route 208 to be closed for an indeterminate amount of time through the Wilson Canyon in Lyon County following a major landslide and rockfall across the roadway.
Likely caused by recent heavy precipitation, a landslide and rockfall fell across roughly 400 feet of roadway between mileposts 14 and 15 at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10. As of this time, there are no immediate indications of injuries as part of the landslide. See video here.
The roadway is closed to through traffic between Hudson Aurora Road and State Route 339, a section of road running through the Wilson Canyon between Smith Valley and Yerington. Approximately 1,800 drivers travel through the area each day.
NDOT geotechnical engineers are reviewing the site today to help evaluate stability and safety of the area and begin planning for rockfall removal. No timeframe for rock removal has been finalized, and an extended roadway closure is expected to safely remove the major rockfall, mitigate potential future rockfall and repair the road.
While alternate routes are sparse in the rural area, potential options include accessing Yerington or Douglas County via U.S. 95A/U.S. 50 or U.S. 395 south and north of the area.
Continuing heavy precipitation from recent winter storms has potential to bring water, snow, rock, mud and other potentially dangerous conditions to roadways regionwide. NDOT reminds motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, and to drive attentively and slowly in inclement conditions. Winter driving safety tips are available at dot.nv.gov/winter. Motorists can visit NVRoads.com before driving for current highway conditions and controls.