RIGBY - Construction will close state property used as a campsite near Ellis Post Office north of Challis Thursday (May 15), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Personal property left on the two-acre site after this date will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Crews will close the site along the Salmon River across from Ellis Post Office in preparation for restoring a portion of riverbank along the property this summer. Work is scheduled for completion in September.

The site abuts the Salmon River west of U.S. 93 about 12 miles north of Challis. High water has eroded the parcel over the years (see photo).

The closure will allow the contractor to move in equipment for preparation work. Construction crews and equipment leaving and entering the site may briefly slow traffic on U.S. 93 in July and August.

Transportation department officials have placed notices on the site that personal vehicles and trailers must be removed by May 15.

The project will restore and fortify approximately 100 yards of riverbank. Crews will place riprap, willows and sod. They also will close current accesses to the parcel and construct a new access in the center of the property.

Restoration work will not limit access to the nearby confluence of the Salmon and Pahsimeroi rivers.

Call Bruce King (208-745-5611) of the transportation department with any questions.