Willamette National Forest temporarily reopens Forest Road 46 – Clackamas-Breitenbush Scenic Byway

Media Contact: Leslie Garcia

(458) 209 – 7288

[email protected]

www.fs.usda.gov/willamette

 

Detroit, Ore. – June 27, 2023. Forest Service Road (FSR) 46, also known as the Clackamas-Breitenbush Scenic Byway, is now fully open to motorized vehicles from Detroit to Mt. Hood National Forest. A portion of FSR 46 had been closed since September 2020 due to the Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires, which burned 40% of the Detroit Ranger District and significantly impacted over 200 miles of Forest Service roads.

Although open for the summer, FSR 46 will temporarily close again in fall 2023 to remove the remaining fire impacted trees and to complete the final road repair and reconstruction. This additional work will improve the long-term sustainability of the corridor and prevent future closures. The work is estimated to go through 2024.

Over the last two years, the Willamette National Forest completed substantial recovery work to FSR 46, including the removal of approximately 1,600 cubic yards of scaling debris, replaced and repaired over 5,000 feet of guardrail, placed 250 tons of asphalt surfacing, and replaced several culverts.

Travelers are encouraged to exercise caution and drive slowly through the fire impacted areas as there are increased hazards in burned areas including falling trees and limbs, falling rocks, possible landslides, debris flows, and flash floods. Avoid visiting fire affected areas when there is significant wind, rain, or other stormy weather. Let someone know where you are and establish a check in for when you are expected to return.

The Willamette National Forest will continue to reduce road and site closures associated with the Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires as hazards are removed or mitigated. For the most up to date information on fire closures, visit the Willamette National Forest Closure website https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574 or call one of our district offices.

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