Arizona State Police and Arizona Department of Transportation discuss the damaged roadway on U.S. 89, approximately 25 miles south of Page. Navajo residents in the area are affected by the road closure and have to travel alternative roads for school and emergency services. NDOT crews are working with the BIA and Coconino County to maintain alternate routes in the area. (Photo by Leonard Williams)

WINDOW ROCK – Last week, highway 89 collapsed just 25 miles south of Page, AZ leaving officials scratching their heads as to what really happen.

The road buckled beneath the ground making it inaccessible to residences that travel on the reservation road.

But Geological experts say it could have been a slump. Taft Blackhorse, manager of the Navajo Division of Transportation said the road damage was the result of a slump. “I don’t think it was a small earthquake or tremor. It appears to have been loose soil that eventually eroded, commonly known as a slump,” Blackhorse said.

According the U.S. Geologic Survey, a slump occurs on hillsides that have a thick cover of loose, rocky debris, commonly taking place after heavy rains saturate the ground.

Rick Abasta, public communication officer for the NNDOT said several Navajo chapters have been affected by the road closure and the commission cited concerns ranging from the transport of school kids and emergency medical service response.

Navajo officials say they are working on alternative routes for people to travel on as they fix the road, which could cost millions. Navajo Transportation Director Paulson Chaco is working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Coconino County to ensure maintenance of alternate dirt roads for the influx of travelers in the area.

“We have NDOT crews working with the BIA to complete blading activities and to assist with setting up electronic message boards to alert motorists of the road closure,” he said.

Officials do not know when the road will be fixed. (What does Ye’Yah’ mean? It means scary in Navajo.)