This week, Summit County’s design-build team of Ecological Resource Consultants/Tezak Heavy Equipment (ERC/Tezak) continues major earthwork operations on the Swan River Restoration project site.  As can be seen in a recent video produced by Summit County Television, which includes an interview with Open Space and Trails Resource Specialist, Jason Lederer, recent aerial drone imagery provides an excellent view of the landscape transformation taking place on the project site.

Most of this week's work remains focused on the downstream end of the project site as crews work to relocation utilities above and within Tiger Road. Utility relocation is necessary for the installation of the new Tiger Road crossing anticipated to be fully installed towards the end of September, or early October 2016. Crews anticipate opening a temporary detour this Wednesday (August 31, 2016), creating a new traffic pattern through the project site. While this work is ongoing, you may experience temporary delays on the portions of Tiger Road passing through the project area.

Once in place, crews anticipate the temporary detour and traffic pattern lasting for approximately 6 weeks. The detour will be signed and delineated with traffic control channeling and barrier devices. Flaggers may also be present during periods of active construction. Through traffic, as well as access to trail heads and businesses, will be maintained throughout the detour period. 

This week, Summit County staff also hosted project partners from the U.S. Forest Service, White River National Forest (USFS) on the project site. The USFS is the management agency for a majority of the land within the Swan River watershed. The restoration site is surrounded by White River National Forest lands and the USFS is working to obtain easements on private parcels upstream of the existing project site for additional protection and restoration of the river in future phases. In 2012, the USFS formally solidified its commitment to the project through the NEPA process, culminating in a written decision outlining the federal agency’s significant ongoing role. For over a decade, the USFS has been an important project partner contributing valuable technical expertise, as well as project funding.

Work is scheduled to continue through November 2016, followed by a winter shut-down period, before recommencing in spring 2017. Additional information about Swan River Restoration Project is available at RestoreTheSwanRiver.com as well as on the Open Space and Trails Special Projects web page. If you have additional questions about the restoration project, you can contact Summit County Open Space and Trails Director Brian Lorch, or Open Space and Trails Resource Specialist Jason Lederer, or call 970.668.4060.