The West Fork Ranger District has announced that road work will soon begin on the Magruder Road Corridor in Idaho. The project could begin as soon as this week and is scheduled to last four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions and how much snow road crews encounter.
The project will take place between Kim Creek Saddle and Salmon Base Camp (about 8 miles). Crews will be grinding the dirt road to remove deep ruts, washboards and large rocks, along with improving stability and drainage. They will also be installing surface drainage features including water bars, driveable dips and ditch relief culverts.
No road closures are planned during the project, but motorists could experience temporary delays lasting from a few minutes to up to two hours during culvert installations.
The project will not impact Selway River floaters or travel to the historic Magruder Ranger Station or Paradise Campground, as repairs are all located southwest of the Selway River Road #6223.
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Crews are also working hard to complete the project this spring, before the Magruder Road Corridor officially opens to the public allowing motorists to travel between Elk City, Idaho, and Darby. The road is normally impassable due to snow at Salmon Base Camp until sometime in July.
The 101-mile primitive Magruder Road Corridor was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It allows motorists to drive between the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church — River of No Return Wilderness Areas. The road is rough, steep and winding, with few turnouts for passing. The road winds through undeveloped areas offering solitude and pristine beauty, but no services for nearly 120 miles.
For more information and to see a map of the area visit www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot or contact the West Fork Ranger District at 406-821-3269.