Aufderheide construction this year

BLUE RIVER: Improvements will be underway this summer to the Aufderheide Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19) that connects the communities of Blue River and Westfir. Work will include placing new culverts, laying new asphalt and cleaning ditches. The work is expected to cause delays of up to 30 minutes in two locations.

All the roadwork will be south of Box Canyon (the halfway point between the two towns). Travelers using the northern section of byway will not be delayed.

Officials are advising travelers there will be a detour that may add 30 minutes to travel times.  From the Blue River side, could follow Forest Service Road 1928 to Oakridge. It is graveled, but in good shape for a passenger car. Motorcyclists, trucks with trailers and RVs may have difficulties.

The two full closures on the road, lasting up to four days each, will be at milepost 2.4 and at milepost 10. Deep culverts will be replaced there.

General road work is allowed on the weekends but the closures may only occur from Monday to Thursday. Check with the Middle Fork Ranger District at 541-782-2283 for updates or on twitter @willamettenf, and on the Willamette National Forest Facebook page.

“This popular route is in sore need of repair,” said Ken Kittrell, Engineer for the Middle Fork Ranger District. “We are really looking forward to the improved road conditions, both in terms of the driving experience and safety; thanks for your patience during construction.”

Currently there are some sections that are one lane due to road damage, as well as large pot holes.

Image: Expect delays on USFS Rd. #19, Aufderheide Drive, through September.