Officials to use explosives in rock slide area

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

The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/1CY8GIl ) reports work crews will blast the rocks Tuesday near Turner Falls. State Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson said Monday that extended traffic delays are expected along the thoroughfare that connects Oklahoma City to Dallas.

An Arbuckle Mountains 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.

A department spokeswoman says 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.