Local News

Roadway improvement work will create minor delays for travelers on Buttermilk Road

Jun 21, 2019

The Black Pine Lake area, located about 10 miles west of Twisp, Washington, is a popular place for people wanting to swim, boat, fish, camp, picnic, or hike. Road work may delay forest visitors when heading to this popular destination.

Starting June 21, forest visitors driving on Forest Service Road #43, also known as Buttermilk Road, may experience 30-minute delays while asphalt patching, roadside brush cutting, and culvert cleaning occurs.

“The work will be occurring on a 2.4-mile segment of the road between mile posts 13.7 and 16.1,” said Civil Engineering Technician David Colbert. “Depending upon weather conditions and other issues, such as wildfires, we anticipate this work will last up to 30 days.”

“We recognize that many, many people will be using this area over the July 4^thweekend, so no road work will occur during that time period,” Colbert said.

Recreationists who do not want to experience delays may also access this site using Forest Service Road #43 from its beginning point about one mile south of the town of Carlton, Washington.

“This work is important in making roadways safe for forest users,” Colbert said. “Roadside brushing improves sight distance for motorists. Culvert cleaning is critical as it reduces the likelihood of future runoff damage and road washouts. Asphalt patching helps extend the life of the road surface, plus drivers have the added comfort of driving on a smooth surface versus one with potholes.”

This project was originally scheduled to occur in 2018, but was delayed due to wildfire activity in the area.

Please contact the Methow Valley Ranger District office at 509-996-4000 for more information.