Wash Road Update:
following the sandy trail...
Building a road in the desert in the middle of the summer is a daunting task. Temperatures well above 100 degrees fuel scorching breezes, and relief can only be found in the air-conditioned cab of a dozer. Miles of empty sand beckon the horizon, and grueling work begins under a glaring sun.
Construction of the "new" Wash Road began in July and continues today. This 24 ft. wide road is located directly west of the old one, and should be completed by the Halloween weekend. Funded with federal dollars, construction costs are held to a minimum by using volunteers, transferring BLM staff from other offices to temporarily help out, and hiring short-term workers from the local community to get the job done. Additionally, as much of the existing berm material next to the road is used in its construction to keep the costs down.
While the road may gets its initial boost from federal funding, maintenance of it will come strictly through fee dollars. Because of this, OHVs will not be permitted to travel on it in an effort to reduce future maintenance costs and increase safety. The road is designed for wash access by primary vehicles only.
When visiting the dunes prior to road completion, please respect construction efforts and stay away from the area. This increases safety for everyone, and helps ensure the project stays on track.
...to its Completion!
Completion of the "new" Wash Road occurred on Friday, 10/2/09. Now open for primary vehicle traffic to Wash 25, the road provides camp access to the washes. "No OHVs on roadway" signs are posted along the length of the road, to remind visitors that the road is designed for primary vehicles only. This restriction will help keep maintenance costs down and increase safety.
The road will be posted with 15 mph speed limit signs, except in those areas where people are likely to occur. A 5 mph speed limit will slow the traffic down near bathrooms, at the fee pad and around dumpsters. This slower speed limit will help keep the dust down, and of course, increase safety for everyone.
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