On June 10, work will begin to replace a 68-year-old bridge spanning O’Hara Creek on the Moose Creek Ranger District.  This work will take place for the entire summer and will require the closure of Hamby Fork Road (FR 651) for the duration of the bridge replacement project. Moose Creek District Ranger Ron Tipton said: “This project is a necessary improvement providing safe access to public land while creating a path for future stream restoration work benefitting the fishery and overall watershed health.”
Aaron Penvose, Idaho Restoration Director for Trout Unlimited explained that: “The current bridge has an increased risk of failure due to age and its wood pier and retaining wall’s deterioration.” The new bridge will be more resilient and able to withstand high flows and natural-occurring woody debris that frequently comes downstream and gets caught on the existing bridge’s center pier, which requires annual maintenance by the USFS.  Additionally, the new 134-foot channel spanning bridge will reconnect the adjacent floodplain and allow for upstream habitat restoration benefitting ESA listed steelhead and bull trout.”
Road closures and project work will begin on June 10. Visitors are asked to exercise caution while driving in the vicinity of the project and respect closure orders, both for their safety and the safety of workers in the field.