WARREN — The USDA Forest Service announced that Longhouse Scenic Drive will be temporarily closed to through-traffic from just south of Dewdrop Campground to just north of the entrance to Elijah Run Boat Launch from Wednesday through Sept. 9.
The road closure is necessary to allow the construction contractor to replace under-road culverts crucial for water passage. The current through-traffic road construction closure on Longhouse Scenic Drive between Jakes Rocks Road and Dewdrop Campground ends Monday.
All recreation sites along Longhouse Scenic Drive are planned to remain open during construction. During the upcoming closure, to reach the Elijah Run Boat Launch and Kiasutha Recreation Area, drive north from the intersection of Longhouse Scenic Drive and State Route 321. This detour from the north end of Longhouse Scenic Drive takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes. To reach Dewdrop Campground and Jakes Rocks, drive south from the intersection of State Route 59 and Longhouse Scenic Drive. This detour from the south end of Longhouse Scenic Drive takes approximately 30 minutes.
The temporary closure is part of an ongoing, multi-year, road reconstruction deferred maintenance project funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The project is being accomplished via an interagency agreement between the Allegheny National Forest and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District. The $12.3 million contract was awarded to Bob Cummins Construction of Bradford. The project includes 156 under-road culvert replacements, installation of two aquatic organism passages, and the rehabilitation of 11 miles of two-lane road.
Enacted into law Aug. 4, 2020, the GAOA continues to provide new opportunities for the USDA Forest Service to deliver benefits to the American public through major investments in infrastructure, recreation facilities, public lands access and land and water conservation. Visit fs.usda.gov to learn more about GAOA projects across the nation, discover projects near you, find underway contracts and agreements, and learn more about the stories impacted by these projects.
