Roadwork projects begin July for Catherine Creek and Hells Canyon
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON – For anyone in Northeast Oregon that plans to travel or go adventuring after the holiday weekend, various roadwork projects will begin across the region July 8. Recently, both Idaho Power and the U.S. Forest Service announced their own projects for Catherine Creek (see map above) and the Brownlee-Oxbow Highway in Hells Canyon respectively. For Catherine Creek, the Forest Service issued the following notice:
“The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has plans to replace a Culvert on National Forest Service Road 2036 that branches off Medical Springs Hwy (The 203) just Southeast of Union from July 8 to Sept. 15 with the road being closed to traffic starting July 24 through Aug. 24.
This is the first of four culvert upgrades on the Forest. All are funded by the Great American Outdoor Act and contribute to the restoration economy by hiring local contractors, infusing the community with potentially millions of dollars a year.
The new culvert will be installed on Little Catherine and was listed at one of the top ten culverts in the region that needs to be replaced to meet fish and aquatic organism passage standards. The reason it was at the top of the list is the amount of habitat, like certain fish species, upstream that will be reconnected through a better designed and larger culvert.
The public is being asked to plan their travels in the area with this closure in mind. Forest Service, excavation, and construction vehicles are expected to be entering and leaving the highway. As always, drive safe if you are visiting the area.
The other three future projects are Indian Creek, later this year, Meadow Creek in 2025, both in the La Grande District, and Beaver Creek in the Whitman District that is also expected to be in 2025.”
And for Hells Canyon, Idaho Power issued the following notice:
“An Idaho Power contractor will begin chip-sealing the Brownlee–Oxbow Highway in Hells Canyon starting July 8. Work is expected to be complete by July 19.
Traffic control will include a pilot car leading motorists through active work zones. Delays of up to 30 minutes are possible.
Motorists should use extra caution and be aware of loose gravel.
Any schedule changes will be posted at idahopower.com/whatsopen.”
