Sections of the road have sunk about a foot and slid downhill as much as 5 inches, leaving large cracks and a series of abrupt dips on the road's surface. The 3.5- mile long cutoff route has been closed and when it will be reopened is uncertain. Although there is an alternative route open, the road is needed to transport construction equipment to get ready for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Officials are unsure as to the reason for the problem.
The road has been controversial for more than a decade. Security officials said the one road that then went to Snowbasin would make the resort easily attacked by terrorists. Opponents to the road were many. Some said Earl Holding, who owns Snowbasin and originally proposed the road, should pay for it since his resort would benefit from it financially. Taxpayers, instead, picked up the tab.