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County installs temporary water‑filled barriers at Dike Road after repeated runoffs; recovery uncovers three‑year missing‑person vehicle
Summary
Public Works placed water‑filled barriers at a dangerous curve on Dike Road near Woodland to prevent vehicles entering a slough; county said placing permanent guardrail requires diking district and Army Corps approval. During a recent recovery at the slough crews discovered a vehicle missing for three years containing a person.
Public Works staff reported the county placed temporary water‑filled barriers at the Dike Road location where multiple vehicles have gone into a slough off the Columbia River. Staff showed photos and said the barriers are a short‑term safety measure while the county pursues permanent guardrail work, which requires approval from the local diking district and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the 408 process.
Public Works staff described previous incidents where vehicles missed the turn and went into the slough or adjacent farm fields. Staff said the temporary barriers are hinged and water‑filled (about 1,200 lb when filled) and will flex if struck; they are not pinned to the ground. The county placed reflective tape on the site and is evaluating long‑term guardrail replacement in its guardrail repair program.
Staff also said that during a recent vehicle recovery at the same location crews located another vehicle reported missing for three years; a sheriff’s investigation previously found a person in that vehicle. Commissioners and staff discussed the pace of Army Corps approvals and the need for short‑term protective measures until permanent work can proceed.
