WARREN — The roadwork, which began in November 2020, on Longhouse Scenic Drive (Forest Road 262) in Allegheny National Forest is nearing completion.

The road remains closed between Elijah Boat Ramp and Kiasutha Campground. All recreation sites along Longhouse Scenic Drive will be open for Memorial Day weekend but drivers may need to follow detour signs to reach sites on either side of the closure. A contractor is replacing two large arch culverts in the vicinity of Mudlick Run. Heavy rains this spring slowed construction and delayed project completion until early June 2021.

“We planned to have the road open to through traffic by Memorial Day weekend, the weather this spring resulted in an unfortunate delay. We apologize for the inconvenience to travelers on Longhouse Scenic Drive and appreciate everyone’s patience while we get this road project completed. Please consider making an extra effort to support local businesses in the area that may be impacted by the road closure,” said Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser.

The road enhancement will integrate two aquatic organism passages, connecting the Mudlick Run and its tributary. The project will improve the upstream habitat for native species of trout. The large bottomless arch culverts are designed to withstand a 100-year storm and to follow the Forest Service policy to improve aquatic organism passage in streams with watersheds of 100 or more acres.

Project updates will be posted on the Allegheny National Forest website.