Press Release
1. Culvert and drainage work is nearing completion. In the areas where new culverts have been installed and repaired, there will be graveled patches with loose rock until they can be paved. Be aware and watch for loose gravel and bump warning signs.
2. The construction contractor, Nielson Construction, will have additional crews working along the shoulder in various locations of the canyon. Please watch out for workers and flagging personnel along this route and expect minor delays in these locations.
3. Paving is scheduled to begin next Monday, June 16 in Soldier Creek Canyon above the abandoned mine offices and will progress into the canyon. As the paving operation begins, there will be crews ahead of the paver prepping the roadway. The paving operation will require 15-25 double belly dump trucks, creating a significant amount of heavy truck traffic. Traffic will be congested and there will not be room within the flagged construction zone for tourists to stop or pull off of the road. Flaggers will control traffic in the construction zones. Expect 30-45 minute delays each direction during daylight hours, Monday-Friday.
4. Outside of the flagged area, sites may still be visited but all visitors and motorists are advised to travel with caution. If you choose to stop, please pull completely off of the road, away from blind curves and watch for any approaching traffic. Paving will be ongoing throughout the summer months.