Southern Cross Highway section closed due to continuous rockfalls
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Southern Cross Highway (Provincial Highway 105) has been temporarily closed between Meishan and Xiangyang due to continuous rockfalls.
- The closure is a precautionary measure following heavy rainfall that saturated slopes and increased the risk of landslides.
- Authorities are assessing the situation and will reopen the road once it is deemed safe.
A section of the Southern Cross Highway, specifically Provincial Highway 105 between Meishan and Xiangyang, has been urgently closed due to persistent rockfalls. The closure is a precautionary measure implemented by the Directorate of Highways following heavy rainfall in the region.
The continuous downpour has saturated the soil on the slopes along the highway, significantly increasing the risk of landslides and falling rocks. Multiple rockfall incidents were reported at various points along the 0K to 44K section of the highway, including at kilometer markers 11.7, 20.2, 23.9, and 29.5.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of these rockfalls. Maintenance crews are currently on-site, working to clear the debris and secure the affected areas. The Directorate of Highways has urged the public to avoid the area, emphasizing the high risk of further collapses due to the saturated ground conditions.
The road will remain closed until further notice. Authorities will conduct thorough safety assessments of the slopes and road conditions before deciding on a reopening date. The public will be informed once the highway is deemed safe for travel.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.