Central Idaho's South Fork Salmon River Road Repairs to Begin in April

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Forest Service has awarded a contract to begin repairs on the South Fork Salmon River Road in Central Idaho's Payette National Forest. Construction is set to start on April 27 and is expected to be completed by June 15, though timelines could change depending on weather and site conditions. The current road closure, which was put in place after a landslide caused a failure, will remain in effect until the work is finished.

Why it matters

The South Fork Salmon River Road is an important access point for recreation and travel in the Payette National Forest. The closure has disrupted travel plans and limited access to popular outdoor destinations in the area. Completing these necessary repairs will restore safe passage for visitors and locals alike.

The details

The repair project will focus on a 3.8-mile section of National Forest System Road #50674, also known as the South Fork Salmon River Road, between Poverty Overlook at milepost 9.7 and Poverty Campground at milepost 13.5 in Valley County. The road was closed after a landslide caused a failure, and the closure is intended to protect public safety while the repairs are carried out.

• Construction is scheduled to begin on April 27, 2026.
• The repairs are expected to be completed by June 15, 2026, though timelines could change due to weather and site conditions.

What’s next

The Forest Service has thanked travelers and recreation users for their patience as crews work to restore access to the South Fork Salmon River Road. Once the repairs are complete, the road closure will be lifted, and the public will regain access to the area.