Forest launches array of stimulus projects
The Flathead National Forest is launching a series of federal stimulus projects this summer, some of which will cause temporary access changes across the forest.
“We are doing so much improvements that the public is going to like this and appreciate it. They will be very noticeable,” said Denise Germann, the forest’s public affairs officer.
However, Germann said there will be temporary inconveniences at some locations, and that is why the forest is engaged in a outreach effort to inform the public about where construction activity is under way.
“We highly encourage forest users to plan ahead, and visit our website or contact us directly regarding temporary closures and access changes this summer and next,” she said.
Most of the projects will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and they involve the use of private contractors to carry out the work.
“Most are with Montana contractors, local contractors,” Germann said.
Several of the projects will be carried out around Hungry Horse Reservoir, with access changing week by week.
Starting June 21, the East-side Reservoir Road will be closed at mile post 42 about 10 miles north of the Spotted Bear Ranger Station to allow for culvert replacements.
The ranger station, Spotted Bear Campground and other locations south of Peter’s Creek will only be accessible by the West-side Reservoir Road. The project is being carried out by Price Contracting of Arlee for about $93,000.
Other scheduled projects include:
n The Canyon Creek Bridge on the East-side Reservoir Road at mile post 27 is being replaced. Traffic will be limited to one lane during the project, which is being carried out by Price Contracting for about $197,000.
n Improvements to the Tally Lake Road is under way. Resurfacing of the road will continue through mid-July, along with improvements to the Bootjack Lake Road No. 351B. Western Reclamation of Superior is doing the work for about $320,000.
n The Swan Lake Campground and day-use area are closed while AGC Inc. of Kalispell is laying new asphalt.
n Replacement of the Hand Creek Bridge north of Marion is nearly complete. The road is expected to open soon and provide more direct access to Sylvia Lake on the Tally Lake Ranger District. Independence Construction of Eureka was awarded the contract for $116,000.
n Gravel resurfacing on the East-side and West-side Reservoir roads will get under way later in the summer, and the public is being advised to drive carefully due to the presence of dump trucks and other heavy equipment on the roads.
n The West-side Reservoir Road will be repaved in the fall, which will result in a closure of an 11-mile section of road.
n The Jewel Basin Road will get new gravel surfacing, causing a two-month closure of the road after Labor Day.
Many other projects are planned across the forest, including trail maintenance, culvert replacements, bridge replacements and deferred maintenance at campgrounds and other facilities.
An online map showing project locations and status is on the Flathead Forest website at:
www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead