A new through traffic closure is in place as work continues on Longhouse Scenic Drive.

Allegheny National Forest Bradford District Ranger Rich Hatfield said work is “progressing” through the section between Kiasutha and Elijah from Sept. 10 through Oct. 15.

“The entire road will be open Sept. 20-22 during Jakes Trail Fest,” he said.

This marks the second through-traffic closure. One between Dwdrop and Elijah ended three days early on Sept. 6.

“The contractor completed the culvert work from Elijah to Dewdrop except for one half of one culvert which will have to be completed under traffic control,” Hatfield said. “Within this zone the known spot repairs, tree trimming, culverts and outlet protections have been completed.”

The road closure is necessary to allow the construction contractor to replace under-road culverts crucial for water passage, according to the ANF.

Hatfield said the contractor is “completing miscellaneous off the road work for Vehicular Pull-Off Areas” and “anticipate having all disturbed areas for culverts, Mead Eddy, Pull-Off areas mulched and seeded” this week.

This most recent thru-traffic closure “will begin with 4 crews anticipated installing outlet protections and culvert pipes. There are 61 culverts included in this phase.”

Federal officials have stressed that access to all recreation sites will remain open for their respective seasons.

“During the September 10 to October 15 closure, to reach the Trails at Jakes Rocks, Dewdrop Campground, and the Elijah Run Boat Launch please drive south from the intersection of State Route 59 and Longhouse Scenic Drive,” the ANF’s statement explained. “To reach… Kiasutha Recreation Area please drive north from the intersection of Longhouse Scenic Drive and State Route 321.”

“According to the contractor schedule, winter shutdown is planned for early November,” Hatfield said.