Homestead Creek Road and Fishhook Tunnel closures announced

ST. MARIES – The St. Joe Ranger District has issued a closure on the Homestead Creek Road #216. The road will be closed for heavy road reconstruction including two bridge replacements. The closure is located south of Avery on the Homestead Creek Road from the junction with Duplex Creek Road #480 to the junction with Long Hike Road #1925. The road will be closed until October 31, unless the work is completed sooner.

The Fishhook – Gold Center Road #301 has been closed for repair work on the historic Fishhook Tunnel, and will remain closed through October 31. The closure is from the intersection with the Old River Road at the St. Joe River to the intersection of Lick Creek Road #753 at Lick Creek.

The following alternate routes are available:

•Alternative 1. Lick Creek Road #753 to Hoyt Mountain Road #325 to Boulder Creek Road #396 to Clarkia Marble Road #321.

•Alternative 2. Outlaw Creek Road #1928 to Upper Lick Creek Road #1926 to Lick Creek Road #753 to Hoyt Mountain Road #325 Road to Boulder Creek Road #396 Road to Clarkia Marble Road #321.

•Alternative 3. Avery Timber Creek Road #201 to Kelly Creek Road #1237.

•Alternative 4. Kelley Creek Road #1237 from Avery to access the Avery Timber Creek Road #201. The lower three miles of the Kelly Creek Road #1237 will be closed to the public Monday to Friday from 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. due to the expected increase of logging trucks.

The closure is necessary to protect the safety of the public while the contractors repair the tunnel. The Forest Service appreciates your patience as these important projects are completed to maintain the safety of the Fishhook Tunnel and Homestead Creek Road. Motorists should drive cautiously on road near these areas and watch for construction equipment. For more information about these closures, please contact the St. Joe Ranger District at 208-245-2531 (St. Maries) or 208-245-4517 (Avery).