Graves Creek Road Temporarily Closed for Public Safety During Construction

Plains, Mont., July 1, 2025 — A section of Graves Creek Road in Lolo National Forest will be closed for more than a year due to safety concerns related to road construction activities, according to an announcement by forest officials.

Beginning July 7, 2024, and continuing through August 1, 2025, Forest Service Road 367—commonly known as Graves Creek Road—will be closed from milepost 2.8 to milepost 6.0, where it intersects with Forest Road 7679 (Irv’s Creek Road).

The closure was ordered to ensure the safety of both the public and workers while the construction project is underway. “The closure is necessary to ensure public safety while construction activities are underway and to allow for safe and efficient completion of the project,” officials stated.

Forest visitors are advised to plan accordingly and use alternate routes during the closure period. Signage and notices will be posted at key entry points, trailheads, and along affected corridors to notify users in advance and minimize disruption.

For those seeking more details, updates can be found on the Lolo National Forest website. Additionally, the public is encouraged to contact the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District at (406) 826-3821 or the Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (406) 329-3814 for more information.

The road construction project on Graves Creek Road is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing access and safety across forest-managed routes in Montana. The section slated for closure has long been known for its steep grades, washouts, and erosion, prompting concerns from both local users and forest staff.

While the construction will temporarily limit access to some recreation areas, forest officials emphasize that the long-term benefits—including safer travel, improved drainage, and more reliable emergency access—will be well worth the inconvenience.

Alternate routes are available, and local ranger district staff are available to help forest visitors navigate detours and plan safe outdoor trips during the construction period.

The project also aligns with the U.S. Forest Service’s broader goals of improving infrastructure resilience in the face of increased traffic and extreme weather events.

Forest officials appreciate public cooperation and patience as they work to improve the safety and longevity of this vital access route.

Originally reported by Forest Service U.S. Department Of Agriculture.