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Commissioners discuss slide on Buzzard Roost Road; guardrails, property purchase and NDOT/FEMA timelines raised
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed a recent slide on Buzzard Roost Road, potential stabilization options including buying adjacent land to move the road, guardrails for safety, and uncertain timelines for NDOT or FEMA assistance.
Commissioners discussed a roadside slide on Buzzard Roost Road and options for stabilizing the area, protecting motorists and maintaining access.
Roads staff (Steve) reported that a geotechnical consultant who had previously worked on slides for the county was expected to inspect the site and several other slides and provide recommendations, but that scheduling has been delayed. Commissioners and staff discussed whether purchasing a small strip of adjacent property to move the road laterally would be less costly than full slope remediation, and suggested guardrails or concrete barricades as interim safety measures.
Staff noted the area is sparsely populated, with mostly seasonal cabins and access used by recreation and utility workers, and pointed to a steep drop at the slide location into a creek. The group also discussed drainage and springs that could affect slope stability. Commissioners noted prior experience with state or federal funding streams: NDOT cost‑share timelines had been extended in prior project planning, and FEMA participation and reimbursement could be slow, so immediate county action might be needed for safety.
No formal action or appropriation was taken at the meeting; staff said they would identify the landowner, arrange the geotechnical inspection, and report back with recommendations.
