SUTHERLIN (AP) — The state has started capping sections of a 17-mile road in Southern Oregon that was declared a possible health risk in 2006.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality says Red Rock Road in Sutherlin contains arsenic-contaminated soil.

It was built in the early 20th century with red-colored mine tailings known to contain arsenic and mercury from the Bonanza Mine.

Since its construction, much of the road has been paved or covered with gravel, brush or brambles.

On Friday, the Department of Environmental Quality flagged areas with exposed, contaminated rock to be capped with gravel.

Bryn Thoms of the agency says the $190,000 project should be finished in several weeks.