Moraga thoroughfare reopens after landslides closes it for eight months

MORAGA, Calif. (KGO) -- A major thoroughfare in Moraga reopened after an underground landslide closed it down last year.

16,000 residents living between Orinda, Moraga and Lafayette now have one more commuting option.

Busy Rheem Boulevard reopened Thursday after an 8-month closure for repair work.

"One of the other issues is extended response time for police, fire and EMS units so having it open is a really good thing for everybody," said Moraga Police Chief Jon King.

"For many many decades, we've had this slow-moving landslide that's wrecked this road. It's been a big issue for our residents," said Edric Kwan, the Moraga Public Works Director.

The city eventually created a public-private partnership to use $2.6 million from a new subdivision developer to build an underground retaining wall to support the buckling pavement.

Some nearby residents are worried the smooth new roadway will encourage speeders. But most are relieved to have convenience restored.