6/16/2014
Construction near Ellis Post Office north of Challis starts Thursday (June 19)
RIGBY - Construction to restore and fortify approximately 100 yards of riverbank on state property used as a campsite near Ellis Post Office north of Challis will begin Thursday (June 19), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Crews will place riprap, willows and sod along the south bank of the Salmon River. In-water work will begin as early as July 5. The riverbank restoration project is scheduled for completion in September.
Fishermen must stay outside of the construction fence.
The two-acre site abuts the Salmon River west of U.S. 93 about 12 miles north of Challis. High water has eroded the area over the years. Crews closed access to the parcel May 15. Click here for a picture looking downriver.
Although the site currently is closed, officials may reopen a portion of it if preparation work is finished before in-water work starts in early July. If reopened, the site will be available to campers.
Construction crews and equipment leaving and entering the site may briefly slow traffic on U.S. 93 in July and August. Restoration work will not limit access to the nearby confluence of the Salmon and Pahsimeroi rivers.