The county-owned and administered Riverside Road that runs through Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge continues to be closed for road improvements through October 30. Riverside Road from Lions Den Road to Deep Creek Bridge is closed to all traffic.

For the duration of the project, the construction management team is coordinating with Boundary County Emergency Services on a regular basis to provide emergency access to areas west of the closure when needed. The closure includes the refuge’s Myrtle Falls, Owl Barn, and east parking lots, the associated trailheads along the road and the main entrance to refuge headquarters. The headquarters, restrooms, and Myrtle Falls trail are still open and accessible through the picnic area parking lot.

The auto-tour route on the refuge has previously been available as an alternative one-way route for neighbors, but the construction project requires its closure as an alternative route starting in July. Riverside Road is being raised, widened and improved for improved pedestrian and vehicle use. Additionally, the auto-tour route will be closed from 8:00 am-3:00 pm, June 17-18 and June 22-25 to conduct road maintenance activities, including grading and gravel delivery. For the safety of the public, the auto-tour route will be closed to all access including motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles during the road grading and graveling.

Visitors to the refuge are still able to access the refuge headquarters, bathrooms, picnic area, and most trails, throughout the duration of the road construction. The auto-tour route will also be accessible via the west entrance to pedestrians and bicycles during the July closure, as conditions allow. Although, visitors should note that the auto-tour route exit will be under construction and closed to all access. Thus, there will be no access back to Bonners Ferry.

During the Riverside Road work, the county and their construction partners have established an alternative route for regular commuter traffic that is regularly maintained and receives dust abatement. Residents should contact Boundary County Road and Bridge (208) 267-3838 if any trees or other obstacles are impacting the detour route.