Mudslide blocks lane on Maple Valley Highway

By Haley Ausbun • February 5, 2020 1:30 am
Courtesy of city of Renton. A mudslide closed lanes the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 5. Expected to reopen later that evening.
Courtesy of city of Renton. A mudslide closed lanes the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 5. Expected to reopen later that evening.

A mudslide in Renton has closed one lane and half of another along westbound Maple Valley Highway.

The city of Renton and Renton Police Department posted on social media to alert drivers to the mudslide Wednesday, Feb. 5. The slide, located near Blaine Avenue Northeast by the Shari’s and Classics Sports Bar, knocked down one tree blocking off both westbound lanes, before being cleared.

While the highway is free of debris, another cluster of trees is threatening to fall from the mud. City crews estimate it will take three to four hours to clear clean and safely remove the cluster. Drivers are being directed through the center turn lane.

The lane is expected to reopen around 7 or 8 p.m. Wednesday evening.