Spring Creek Road fuels reduction and bridge work to begin
Traffic delays and closures expected with upcoming safety and construction projects
GUNNISON, Colo. (May 1, 2025) — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests announce two projects at the Gunnison Ranger District, which are expected to bring minor traffic delays and limited closures on National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 744, beginning early May.
The first project, Spring Creek Hazard Tree and Fuels Reduction Project, focuses on thinning forest undergrowth and removing hazardous dead, damaged, and diseased trees. This effort will remove vegetation near the roadway to increase vehicle clearance and site distance. 173 acres will be treated, which will cover 200 feet on either side of the road in select areas extending from Spring Creek Campground to the junction of NFSR 744.2C. This work is expected to continue throughout the summer.
Project goals are to increase safety for vehicles traveling the road daily and accessibility in the event of wildfire. The work is being completed by contractors who will control traffic as needed while dropping trees near the roadway. For public safety, motorists and recreationists should reduce speeds and respect traffic control signage.
The second project will be the final phase of construction on two newly replaced bridges across Spring Creek on NFSR 744. Installation of guardrails and other final safety features will be completed with minor traffic impacts and intermittent closures that could last several days. This work is expected to be completed by the beginning of June. For current road conditions, visitors can visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/conditions or contact their local district office.
For more information, please contact the public affairs officer at daniel.malta@usda.gov or visit the official GMUG website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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