ARRA Project (WBS)#: LDDFR1170000

Project Title: Steens Loop Road Reconstruction

Index Map Locator #: 1

State: Oregon

Unit: BLM - Burns District

Description:

The 52-mile Steens Mountain Loop Road traverses the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area, located in Harney County approximately 60 miles south of Burns, Oregon near Frenchglen, Oregon. This area was designated by Congress in 2000 through legislation known as the Steens Act and boasts over 50,000 recreationists annually. Through the Andrews/Steens Resource Management Plan/Record of Decision, 2004, the Steens Mountain Loop Road was identified as an important recreation use road. Annual road maintenance is limited to a single pass grading effort due to insufficient annual maintenance funds. As a result, the road bed has become severely wash boarded and has lost its shape and ability to shed water. The running surface is depleted, leaving exposed base rock, creating hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, the road drainage system is substandard, creating erosion and sedimentation along much of the alignment.

Recovery Act Funding:

Phase 1 of the Steens Mountain Loop Road Reconstruction project will establish three materials sources along the road alignment, producing approximately 240,000 cubic yards of base and surface aggregate for future placement along the alignment. The aggregate will be utilized in the areas having the most critical need. The road will also be surveyed to identify those areas where drainage must be reestablished. Work will begin late spring with Commercial Item Buy and Service/Supply Contracts. Approximately 75 jobs are projected over the next 12 to 18 months.