Robert Service Way won’t be open around the clock after all – and motorists are being told to anticipate annual spring closures.

“As a result of unanticipated movement observed late this afternoon by the slope scanner, the decision to move to 24/7 has been postponed,” the city said late Thursday afternoon.

Crews reassessed conditions this morning and determined the road was safe to reopen as scheduled at 7 a.m. It will close again at 7:00 this evening.

The road had originally been set to remain open 24/7 beginning Thursday.

“This reopening is the result of extensive work by city crews and our geotechnical experts,” the city had said earlier Thursday before reversing course.

“The city will continue to monitor the escarpment to ensure conditions remain safe.

“Existing safety precautions, including the berm, jersey barriers, slope scanner and sensor equipment will remain in place for the time being.

“As conditions continue to improve, an additional closure of Robert Service Way will be scheduled to remove the berm and relocate the concrete barriers located in the road right-of-way,” the city had added.

“These features were always intended to be a temporary solution using discarded material from the slope. Leaving it in place would constrict traffic flow in the area and require extensive work to maintain.

“The city will provide notice when this work is scheduled and limit the work to off-peak hours as much as possible.”

The trails, including those in the area of Drury Street and along the lower escarpment downtown, will remain closed.

“As seen last year, moisture can continue to move north through freshet, which can cause subsequent slides,” the city said. “Trail users are asked to respect trail closures and fencing.”

The April 8 landslide had closed the road for five weeks. The city also addressed the long term in its Thursday statement.

“Landslides along the escarpment and Robert Service Way are now a regular occurrence, and spring closures should be expected annually until a permanent solution can be found,” it said.

“While the city is now exploring a long-term solution for the escarpment along Robert Service Way, any solution that could stabilize the slope would constitute a major project for our city and require extensive design.”

The city’s Emergency Operations Centre remains partially activated but is expected to demobilize as early as next week.