Kamiah, ID, August 7, 2023—Forest visitors planning to traverse the scenic Lolo Motorway (FSR 500) should plan for delays of up to four hours as crews maintain the road segment between Castle Butte Lookout and Liz Butte. Work will begin Monday, August 14, and is expected to last through September. Civil Engineer Brandon Anderson explained the delays are necessary for public safety as crews haul gravel and improve drainage on the narrow, winding historic route. The gravel will be placed on soft road surfaces that are prone to erosion and rutting. According to Anderson, the delays will begin at the Saddle Camp pit on Saddle Camp Road (FSR 107) up to the Motorway and progress from east to west. The road will be open for travel from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The road will be closed intermittently from 8:00 a.m. to noon and again from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lochsa-Powell District Ranger Brandon Knapton urged patience as crews work on this section of the Motorway. “This project is a direct response to local and regional leaders and national partners who expressed concerns the road was in serious disrepair,” he explained. “We are utilizing Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funds to continue maintenance of this important historic route.” This year’s work is a continuation of maintenance initiated on the Motorway last year when protruding boulders were pulverized so extremely rocky sections of the road could be smoothed out. It also follows the installation of digital kiosks and improved signage. Knapton said work in the area demonstrates the Forests’ commitment to the Nez PerceClearwater National Forests’ Historic Routes initiative that highlights the significant history and recreational opportunities on the Forest. The initiative is focused around three historic routes: the Lolo Motorway, Elk City Wagon Road and Magruder Corridor.
