USFS to temporarily close Metolius Basin forest road

The Deschutes National Forest said Friday it will temporarily close a section of Forest Road 12 to install a culvert where the road crosses a side channel of First Creek in the Metolius Basin.

From Sept. 10-17, a reroute will be signed using Forest Roads 1217, 1420 and 1425. The reroute will allow for continued access to Forest Road 12 north of the closure, including the roads to Jack Creek Campground, Jack Lake Trailhead, and Cabot Lake Trailhead.

It is anticipated the construction will be complete and the road reopened by Monday , Sept.17.

In recent years, streams around First Creek have flooded onto the Forest Road 12. Installing a larger culvert with increased capacity will help prevent this reoccurring flooding and road damage, officials said.