Possible Explosive Device Closes Highway 136

UPDATE--THE DEVICE HAS BEEN RULED A HOAX, AND TRAFFIC IS NOW OPEN AGAIN ON 136

By Mike Scott.

US Highway 136 east of Wayland was closed Monday afternoon, February 14, after a possible explosive device was discovered along the roadway at the bottom of Sand Hill. Law enforcement officers were diverting eastbound traffic at the Flying J, and westbound traffic at the 136/61 junction near Alexandria.

“A gentleman from Wayland was walking, and he noticed an object that looked unusual,” said Clark County Sheriff Paul Gaudette. That man notified the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.

Gaudette responded to the call, and confirmed the object looked like explosives. He said the object was roughly 12 inches long, and six inches wide, with what appears to be a timer and wires attached.

“We’re not taking any chances, so we have closed the road,” he said. Some nearby residents have been evacuated. Others, whose homes would be protected by the hill, agreed to stay indoors.

The incident is being investigated by the Clark County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.