Forest Service road improvements to create temporary driving delays near Bonners Ferry

Road improvement work began Monday on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The work will cause temporary driving delays on several Forest Service roads in the Boulder Creek/Twentymile Creek area. Drivers can expect short delays in most cases, but several planned culvert replacements could delay traffic up to 4 hours at a time.

Work will take place on Forest Service Roads 408 and 274 began Monday and will include Forest Service Roads 427 and 2624. Work is expected to conclude by Aug. 21.

These improvements are part of the Boulder Creek Restoration Project and in support of the Black Boulder timber sale, undertaken on National Forest System lands by the Idaho Department of Lands under a Good Neighbor Authority agreement. The activities will include brushing, ditch cleaning, drainage improvements, culvert installations and replacements, and driving surface improvements.

The Forest Service appreciates the public’s patience as we work to improve these public driving routes. Some of the benefits will include improved roads for public and emergency access, reduced sediment delivery to area streams, and improved parking at Clifty Trailhead and Black Mountain Lookout. Forest Service Road 427 to Boulder Meadows will have numerous pull-outs installed to better accommodate horse trailers and other traffic.

Visitors to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are encouraged to pick up a free Motor Vehicle Use Map available at any of the Ranger Stations or for download onto a smart device through the Avenza Maps app. For additional information, please contact your local ranger station or visit www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf.