Temporary road closure near Catherine Creek extended to Sept. 4
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION – (Release from the U.S. Forest Service) The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest continues to work on a culvert on National Forest Service Road 2036 that branches off Medical Springs Hwy (The 203) just Southeast of Union. The work was originally projected to end Aug. 24 but has been extended to Sept. 4.
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 on Little Catherine was listed as 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 others 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.
For more information, visit or call our La Grande Ranger station at 541-962-8500.
