The Oregon DOT stopped work on a 10-mile stretch of Highway 20 back in 2010 after several landslides were discovered during construction. Four bridges that were constructed by Yaquina River Constructors, a subsidiary of Granite Construction, were displaced by the landslides. The contractor was paid a total of $173 million for the project, and under the terms of the settlement, $15 million was returned to the State. According to an ODOT spokesman, they are looking to rebid the project this year with a projected completion date of 2015, 6 years behind the original schedule. The winning bid for the original project was $129 million, and the new projected cost is $290 to $310 million. [Source: TDN.com. Image: NewsLincolnCounty.com]
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City of Chilliwack, British Columbia to Pay $18M for Up to 42 Homes On Landslide
The Chilliwack Times reports that the City of Chilliwack will pay 80% of the assessed home value for up to 42 homes in an Eastern Hillside subdivision that are located on a slow moving landslide. The issue was first noticed in 2001 and several homes have had significant damage, but most are currently undamaged. The City denies any responsibility, but it’s legal counsel recommended a settlement. (Photo by Paul J. Henderson, Chilliwack Times)
Normally the geotechnical engineer for the subdivision would be held accountable. But apparently the slip surface is located 30-m below grade, much deeper than borings for a typical investigation for a subdivision. I wonder if there were any geologists consulted? Click through for a Google map view of the area and you can do your own armchair photogeology quarterbacking! Your heart does go out to the people losing their homes, they had no idea. But it could be worse, they could be in La Jolla and be getting squat.