Drivers traveling both east and west on U.S. 60 near Montgomery will continue to face a detour while workers try to secure a section of rock that could once again cover the road.

Johnny Walker, maintenance assistant for District 1 for the Division of Highways, said Tuesday that he has no estimate for how long the detour will be in place.

Drivers discovered both sides of U.S. 60 closed more than a week ago after a rock slide brought debris completely across the highway. Walker explained that about 100 feet above the highway, workers have seen "huge cracks that could bring the rocks down again."

State officials are seeking a bid from specialists who could stabilize the area. Once the contract is awarded, Walker said he couldn't say how long the work will take to complete.

On Sunday afternoon, seven people were injured when a car and truck collided near the bridge.

For drivers traveling west, the area near the bridge is covered with dozens of orange cones. The cones direct drivers to switch lanes in the two-lane section of the road near the bridge. The bridge allows drivers to move from U.S. 60 to W.Va. 61 in Montgomery.

Walker said he does not believe the cones contributed to the accident, but workers will begin to replace the cones with barrels. He said the accident happened because "a driver shot straight through the stop sign."

Drivers traveling west approach the area with a sign cautioning them that they should be prepared to stop and that the road will narrow to one lane. There is also a message board near the stoplight in Smithers. Walker said these two pieces are there to alert drivers to the change.

"We're trying to make it as safe as possible," Walker said. 

To contact staff writer Susan Williams, use e-mail or call 348-5112.

Johnny Walker, maintenance assistant for District 1 for the Division of Highways, said Tuesday that he has no estimate for how long the detour will be in place.

Drivers discovered both sides of U.S. 60 closed more than a week ago after a rock slide brought debris completely across the highway. Walker explained that about 100 feet above the highway, workers have seen "huge cracks that could bring the rocks down again."

State officials are seeking a bid from specialists who could stabilize the area. Once the contract is awarded, Walker said he couldn't say how long the work will take to complete.

On Sunday afternoon, seven people were injured when a car and truck collided near the bridge.

For drivers traveling west, the area near the bridge is covered with dozens of orange cones. The cones direct drivers to switch lanes in the two-lane section of the road near the bridge. The bridge allows drivers to move from U.S. 60 to W.Va. 61 in Montgomery.

Walker said he does not believe the cones contributed to the accident, but workers will begin to replace the cones with barrels. He said the accident happened because "a driver shot straight through the stop sign."

Drivers traveling west approach the area with a sign cautioning them that they should be prepared to stop and that the road will narrow to one lane. There is also a message board near the stoplight in Smithers. Walker said these two pieces are there to alert drivers to the change.

"We're trying to make it as safe as possible," Walker said. 

To contact staff writer Susan Williams, use e-mail or call 348-5112.