FR95 Closed at Houston Draw (Pinchot Cabin) [ now open ]

[chumley]

A portion of Forest Road 95 will be closed beginning Monday, August 19th. Maintenance work will be in progress for approximately one month at Houston Draw on Forest Road 95. Contractors will be installing a culvert that is 16 feet across and 75 feet long. Road blocks will be in place at the junction of Forest Road 95 and 139G and the junction of Forest Road 95 and 139A. Forest visitors should plan their travels accordingly. If you have any questions please call Blue Ridge Ranger Station, 928-477-2255.

I've illustrated the closure area on this map:
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=2936

Access to the parking area north of Pinchot Cabin will be restricted during this time. The best alternate access is via the trailhead parking area on FR139A just uphill on the west side of the draw above Pinchot Cabin. There is an old closed roadbed that leads down to the cabin (the last part of the Fred Haught Trail).

Three trails (Fred Haught, Houston Brothers, and U-Bar) terminate at the Pinchot Cabin and vehicular access to this trailhead is affected by the closure.

[Grasshopper]

Confirmation of construction underway as of 9/1/13 pic: http://hikearizona.com/photo=358448 ;)

[chumley]

9/17/13 Update:

Due to unforeseen problems, the construction on Forest Road 95 is going to take longer then anticipated. We do not know exactly how long, but our Contracting Representative is out there on a regular basis with the crew. When I know more I will be sure to let you know. Forest Road 95 is closed from Forest Roads 139A and 139G. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

[toddak]

It appears that completing this project isn't very high on anyone's to-do list. Must be getting paid by the hour.

[chumley]

@toddak
Ha. Yeah I noticed that last weekend on our loop hike. Forgot to post about it here. The road is still closed. And there's no sign of workers, equipment, or any progress. Makes you wonder if the funding ran out or the contractor went out of business.

[toddak]

@chumley
Yesterday there was a bulldozer, a loader and a backhoe parked up on the road, with Pima Paving Inc stickers on them. Maybe getting ready to get busy again.

[mazatzal]

@toddak
Same as were there 9 months ago http://hikearizona.com/photo=358448

[chumley]

Forest Road 95 is now open. As of this past weekend, construction vehicles remain, and some work appears to be incomplete, but the barricades have been removed and vehicular travel is once again permitted. Revegetation work is underway. This project was slated to take approximately one month, but has taken ONE YEAR!

WTG!