Stay out: Forest Service warns visitors after vehicles drive past Mesa Falls closures
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ASHTON — Upper and Lower Mesa Falls remain closed while several construction projects continue, and Forest Service officials say some visitors are ignoring barricades and entering restricted areas.
Employees and contractors are reporting multiple incidents each day involving people entering active construction zones, according to the U.S. Forest Service. In some cases, workers have had to quickly move out of the way of vehicles driven past closure signs.
Officials say the closures at the popular eastern Idaho recreation sites are necessary to protect visitors and crews while four construction contracts are underway.
The resurfacing of the Grandview parking lot at Lower Mesa Falls has been completed, while road repairs and chip sealing at Upper Mesa Falls are expected to wrap up within the next couple of weeks.
Trail paving is also underway at both locations. Officials say the asphalt trails are currently unsafe and inaccessible because the surfaces have been significantly disrupted during construction.
Another major project — replacement of the Upper Mesa Falls boardwalk — could begin as early as this fall.
The Forest Service hopes to complete as much work as possible before winter so the facilities can fully reopen to visitors in the spring.
Despite posted signs and barricades, officials say people continue to walk and drive into closed areas. Law enforcement presence has now been increased, and citations are being issued to people who enter restricted zones.
“We understand these closures are inconvenient,” Assistant Forest Engineer Thomas Brown said. “But they’re in place solely for the safety of the workers and the public. Unauthorized entries have already created delays to the work.”
Brown urged visitors to follow the restrictions so crews can finish the projects as efficiently as possible.
Anyone with questions about the closures can contact the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District at 208-652-7442.