Blast of rock slide postponed

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma transportation officials have postponed plans to set off explosives to prevent more rockslides along Interstate 35 in the Arbuckle Mountains.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation had planned to blast the rocks Tuesday near Turner Falls in southern Oklahoma. But the work was postponed due to severe weather moving into the area. No new date for the work was set.

A rockslide caused by downpours from Tropical Depression Bill temporarily shuttered a portion of the highway last month. Officials have since opened one lane in each direction and reduced speeds to 50 mph. Traffic movement will continue in the same manner.

Officials say the closures have, at times, backed up traffic about five miles in either direction. Reported delays have ranged from a few minutes to up to two hours.