Days ago, a mudslide created a mess in Harlan County. Now traffic is slowly moving along Highway 38 in the Cotes community.

The road closure caused headaches for many drivers. One lane of the roadway is finally back open.

"It's pretty rough," said Lester Shuler, who lives down Highway 38.

Thanks to temporary traffic lights, cars and trucks can pass through carefully.

"It's still rough, but at least we have a way to get through without having to go all the way around," said Michael Smith, who drives Highway 38 daily.

A mudslide more than a week ago closed the road. Guardrails sit mangled on the side of the hill.

A detour was opened along the railroad tracks last week, but it was soon out of services.

Highway officials tell us special cuts are being made to rocks to catch any other debris that may hall.

"All these trees up there, you don't know whether one's going to fall in your lap or not," said Shuler.

Most drivers are glad the road is back open. They are ready for a long-term solution.

"Hopefully they get it fixed the right way and nothing else comes down," said Smith.

Officials tell us crews will be working on the stretch of road for another week and a half.

The force of the slide knocked out phone and cable service to people living along Highway 38. Those services are still being restored.