Work starts on projects in Tally Lake Ranger District

Several projects are getting under way on the Tally Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest, including reconstruction work on the bridge at the Tally Lake Campground, culvert replacement on the Mountain Meadows and Bootjack Lake Roads, re-asphalting a portion of the Griffin Creek Road, and gravel re-surfacing portions of the Mountain Meadows Road.

The Logan Creek Bridge in the Tally Lake Campground is being replaced and will cause access to two group sites, a pavilion and five individual campsites to change beginning Aug. 16. All 40 campsites will remain open and accessible during the project. The campground is located approximately 12 miles west of Whitefish. Alternate travel routes will be via Star Meadows Road to the Old Tally Road.

The Forest Service section of Old Tally Road will be re-opened during this time, but is not recommended for RV or trailer use due to narrow road conditions, tight corners and one-lane travel. Roadside parking will be prohibited. Work is anticipated to be complete this year.  

Other projects include:

n Lost Creek culverts are being replaced on Mountain Meadows Road Forest Service Road 542 and Forest Roads 913A and 2956. The work will done by Aug. 16 with no weekend work scheduled. There may be some temporary delays on these roads.  

n Mountain Meadows Road, Forest Service Road 542, is scheduled to be re-surfaced in preparation for the Lost Mountain stewardship timber sale.  Anticipate increased gravel truck traffic this week.  

n Bootjack Lake Road, Forest Service Road 351B culverts will be replaced Tuesday, Aug. 17. The road will be closed for a few hours during late morning and early afternoon and will affect home owners beyond mile post 0.3.

n Griffin Creek Road, Forest Service Road 53, an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project, will be re-paving for approximately 13 miles. Culvert replacement work and road re-paving are also scheduled for this year with chip sealing and lane striping anticipated to occur in 2011. Road closures will occur Monday to Friday, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Travelers coming from the Marion area will need to travel alternate access routes to Sylvia Lake, Star Meadows and Lupine Lake.  

Contact the Tally Lake Ranger District at 758-5204 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead