Seeley Lake Ranger District road repair work continues

SEELEY LAKE – Work is continuing on the Seeley Lake Ranger District in the wake of last summer’s massive Rice Ridge fire.Lolo National Forest spokesman Boyd Hartwig says over $2.3 million is in the works for road maintenance and contract work. Approximately 66 culverts are planned to be installed or replaced to protect roadways and ensure public access to national forest lands.“Post-fire recovery is a long process. There are over 180 miles of National Forest System Roads and 205 miles of National Forest System trails within the burned area,” said Acting Deputy District Ranger Sara Alberts. “There will be delays or closures associated with this work. We ask that the public have patience. In return, we’ll get this important work done as quickly as possible with as few impacts to travel as we can.” Road work and construction activities impacting travel can change daily. For the most current information on road status call (406) 677-2233.RELATED: Public comment period opens for Rice Ridge Fire salvageNew Temporary Closure Order Dunham Creek Road #4388 will close on July 30th at noon and reopen on August 3rd at noon to allow the contractor to repair the road. This will impact recreational access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness on Lodgepole Trail #13 and Dunham Creek Trail #400.Road Delays Dunham Creek Road #4388 will also have delays of up to several hours beginning July 23rd Cottonwood Lakes Road #477 will continue to have traffic delays to allow for the installation of new culverts near Morrell Mountain. The work causing delays on Kozy Korner Road #9976 was completed on July 19thPartially Open Roads Rice Ridge Road #720 continues to be closed between Camp Creek Road #685 and Richmond Ridge Road #667 due to a large washout. Henry Mountain Road #5407 is also closed from milepost 2.5 at the junction with Road #56312 to milepost 4.8 due to a large washout. Upper Beaver Finley Road #9974 continues to be closed near Boles meadow due to standing water on the road.Closed Roads #36019 Rd. off of Swamp Creek #4379 is closed at the intersection of Swamp Creek until a new structure can be installed.Opened Roads Morrell Mountain Road #4365 repair is complete and the road will open Tuesday, July 24th Little Shanley Creek #4384 is open, but will likely have short duration closures and delays beginning July 30th for additional construction activities. Black Canyon Road #4385 is now open after maintenance was completed.