JOHN DAY — The Malheur National Forest will be implementing a temporary road closure on a section of the 1600-000 road for the Big Creek bridge replacement project.

Work is planned to begin in mid-June and run through early October, officials said.

“We just want to give the public a heads-up that this project is coming,” said Amy Franklin, spokeswoman for the Malheur National Forest. “It will be addressing much-needed road improvements and bridge replacements.”

Officials said the temporary closure ensures public safety from construction machinery as well as the safety of construction employees while completing the bridge work. The detour will be signed on the ground, officials said.

Access to the Big Creek Campground will be extremely limited during the project, officials said.

There may be access via unmaintained roads with high-clearance vehicles, depending on road conditions. Officials said they also expect construction noise to be significant at the campground.

Forest Service 1600 road closure locations:

• On the 1600-000 road at the 1600-924 spur road

• On the 1600-000 road at the 1648-000 road.

In addition to the Big Creek Bridge, there will be two additional bridge closures during this timeframe.

• Summit Bridge on the 1647-000 road. Access to the Malheur Ford will be via the 1651-000 road.

• Fopian Bridge on the 1600 road near Short Creek Guard Station. Access to that general area is via Prairie City or Unity.

An official detour map will be published soon, officials said. More details and alternative campground suggestions for public summer recreation will be included.

“Big Creek is a popular camping site out in Logan Valley,” Franklin said. “We’re going to be listing some alternative campgrounds in the area soon.”

For more information about the Malheur National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheur.