U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

WESTERN FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAY DIVISION

PO BOX 409

DARBY, MT 59829

July 19, 2002

CONSTRUCTION STATUS REPORT

West Fork Bitterroot River Road (along Painted Rocks Lake) MT PFH 66-1(3)

Accomplishments through July 19, 2002

The contractor continued clearing trees and debris from the roadway area, extended the silt fence, and pioneered cuts above the roadway. Pumco has a water truck on site to help keep the dust down on the dirt road, and they have been using it at least twice a day. The afternoon rainshowers have been helpful also!

Future activities planned for the project:

Pumco contractors plan to bring in more heavy equipment as early as Monday July 22nd. This means that the road may be fully closed during the two-hour block road closure times. The flaggers have been able to let vehicles through even during closure times, but this will probably not be possible or safe once larger earthmoving operations begin.

Pumco will not be burning anything until further notice since the West Fork Ranger office has halted all burn permits.

As a reminder, road closures are to be expected: 8am-10am, 12pm-2pm, and 4pm-5:30pm weekdays (except Friday has only 8am-10am and 12pm-2pm closure periods). During all other times between 7am-5:30pm Monday-Thursday and 7am-3:30pm Friday, flaggers will let cars through as much as they can, but expect up to 15-minute delays. Please drive safely and follow posted construction speed limits.

Other news of note:

Alan Woodmansey is getting married next week near Kalispell so please refer your questions, comments, or concerns to Todd Butikofer at (406) 821-9932 or todd.butikofer@fhwa.dot.gov until further notice. Drive safe!