WILLIAMS — A contractor working for the Kaibab National Forest will begin a road maintenance project this week on Forest Road 108 in the vicinity of Coleman Lake on the Williams Ranger District in order to ensure the popular route continues to meet Forest Service road standards.
This work will include roadway reconditioning and resurfacing on an approximately 6.4-mile stretch of FR 108, beginning at its junction with County Road 73 and heading west past Coleman Lake to the project end. Additional work will include the installation of culverts along the route. The road work will improve safety conditions and enhance visitor experience when traveling to popular recreation areas on the forest.
The sources of material for this road maintenance work will be both Ruin Pit, which is located off FR 110 near JD Dam Lake, and Dead Horse Pit, which is located off FR 139. As most of the material is expected to come from Ruin Pit, heavy truck traffic may be present along the haul route, which includes forest roads 110, 109 and 12. Truck traffic may also be noticeable along FR 139 when Dead Horse Pit is used to access material. Motorists should always use caution when driving near heavy trucks and equipment.
Forest Service road engineers anticipate that the resurfacing project, which began today, will be complete by mid-September, barring any weather delays. While the impacted forest roads will not be closed during the project, motorists can expect delays and should exercise caution while traveling through the area due to varying road conditions and the presence of heavy equipment. Travelers on FR 108 could expect delays of about 30 minutes and are urged to drive slowly through the entire construction zone.
FR 108 is used frequently by Kaibab National Forest visitors to access camping, hunting and other recreational opportunities. Forest visitors seeking a spot for dispersed camping are encouraged to consider other routes on the Williams Ranger District during the duration of the road maintenance work given the likelihood of dust and noise near the project area.
Forest Service engineers regularly evaluate and monitor road conditions across the forest to determine priorities for work. FR 108 has been in need of reconditioning and resurfacing for some time, and forest managers expect visitors to have an improved experience once the current project is complete.
To contact the Williams Ranger District office, call (928) 635-5600.