OSO — A tree planting and walk to remember the 43 victims of the Oso mudslide is scheduled Saturday along the newly completed stretch of Highway 530.
Survivors and family members who lost loved ones in the slide plan to plant 43 six-foot Atrovirens western red cedars just east of Steelhead Drive.
After the trees are planted, people can walk the new stretch of highway and reflect on the past six months. Monday marked six months since the March 22 disaster.
Traffic will be detoured to the Seattle City Light Access Road from about 7:30 a.m. until noon Saturday. People can park at the Darrington Rodeo Grounds or the Oso Fire Department and be shuttled to the new stretch of highway. Shuttles start running at 9:30 a.m.
The new tree grove is meant to be visible from the highway, which has been shifted and elevated after the slide changed the landscape and increased the risk of flooding along the road.
Workers finished paving and striping the road this week. It is now open to full-speed traffic, meaning cars can go 50 mph in either direction. Crews completed the road several weeks ahead of schedule and are moving on to landscaping. They are placing rocks, readying soil and restoring wetlands, and are scheduled to put plants in along the road later this fall.
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