NATIONAL FORESTS -- Federal stimulus funding will continue to be a big boost for the Clearwater National Forest infrastructure this year, but contruction could cause some headaches for camper and anglers headed to Kelly Creek and other areas in the North Fork District.

 “This is going to be a challenging summer to get around on the North Fork, for the public as well as the Forest Service,” said Heather Berg, North Fork District ranger in Orofino. “I would hate for someone to drive a long distance to find their way blocked by one of these projects. I want to get the word out now, and I encourage folks to plan ahead. Be sure to call Forest offices for current information.”

Read on for details and scheduled construction.
 

Below is a summary of work that will take place on the North Fork District during the summer and fall of 2011. All dates are estimates and may be subject to change. Please contact the Clearwater National Forest, (208) 476-8267, for updates.
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Road 247, between Aquarius Campground and Bungalow
        Skull Creek Bridge, near milepost 30, will undergo maintenance work from June 1 – June 25. One lane will be open to through traffic, and travelers should expect short delays;
        Flume Creek Bridge, near milepost 18, is scheduled for maintenance from June 25 – July 8. One lane will be open to traffic, but short delays may occur;
        Larson Creek Culvert, milepost 37, will be replaced with a bridge. Work will start August 29 and continue through early October. The project will close Road 247 to through traffic. Visitors who are destined for the Washington Creek, Noe Creek, Kelly Creek and Hidden Creek Campgrounds and all points east will have to access the area via Road 250 from Pierce, ID or by way of Hoodoo Pass from Superior, MT;
        Pavement rehabilitation will take place on the paved section of Road 247 starting June 20 and extending one month, through July 20. One lane will be open, but short delays are likely;
        Road 250, between Bungalow and Hoodoo Pass
        Lake Creek Bridge, milepost 67, will undergo maintenance work beginning July 1 and lasting until August 15. One lane will be open for through traffic and short delays may occur;
        Kelly Forks Bridge, at the junction of Roads 250 and 255, will undergo general maintenance from July 1 through August 15. A single lane will remain open, but motorists can expect brief delays;
        Fourth of July Pack Bridge, near milepost 8, will be reconstructed beginning July 12. The project is expected to last through August 15. The work will close the bridge to all pedestrian, stock and motorcycle traffic;
        Rosebud Culverts, between mileposts 5 and 9, will be replaced in July. The work will force the closure of Road 250 to through traffic. Forest visitors will be unable to access French Mountain Pass from Pierce during this time. Motorists are encouraged to use Road 669, the Shanghai Road, as a detour; however, trailers and commercial traffic should consider alternate routes;

Road 255 from Kelly Forks to Deception Gulch
        Kelly Creek Bridge, mile marker 0, will be repaired starting July 1. The work will last six weeks. One lane will be open to through traffic and short delays may occur.

Road 705, Isabella Creek
        Goat Creek Culverts, near milepost .5, will be replaced beginning July 18. The project will last until August 12. The work will close the road to through traffic. Vehicle access to the trailhead for Trails 95 and 96, routes that lead into the Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area, will be affected;

Road 737, Laundry Ridge
        China Creek Culvert, near milepost 1.5, will be replaced June 27. The work will continue through July 15. The project will close the road to all through traffic.

Recreation site enhancements
        These projects will consist of fire ring replacement, hitching post construction, the removal of outdated toilets and the placement of gravel pads beneath picnic tables at various recreation sites scattered throughout the North Fork Ranger District. These sites include the Aquarius, Washington Creek, Noe Creek, Hidden Creek and Cedars Campgrounds; Flat Camp; Smith Ridge Trailhead; Isabella Point Trailhead and Kelly Creek Trailhead. New vault toilets will be installed at the Smith Ridge and Isabella Point Trailheads. Work will start sometime in June and continue through Labor Day. All sites will remain open for public use, but individual camp units or parking areas may be off limits during construction work.

Miscellaneous Projects
        The decommissioning of approximately nine miles of non-system roads in the Coyote Creek area, near Birch Ridge, west of Cedars Campground is scheduled to start in mid-July. The roads are inaccessible to vehicles.
        The employee housing and water system at the Kelly Forks Work Center are currently being replaced. The work should not affect visitor access to popular recreation areas in the Kelly Forks vicinity.
        “This is going to be a challenging summer to get around on the North Fork, for the public as well as the Forest Service,” Berg said. “I would hate for someone to drive a long distance to find their way blocked by one of these projects. I want to get the word out now, and I encourage folks to plan ahead. Be sure to call Forest offices for current information.”
For more information or travel updates, contact Travis Mechling, District Engineer, at (208)476-8210 or the Clearwater National Forest Information Desk, (208)476-8267.