The Foothills Trail between the Orting and Crocker trailheads will be closed up to two weeks in late July and early August. If the trail can re-open safely, it may re-open after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Check the project website for daily updates at www.piercecountywa.org/TrailClosure.

Pierce County crews will install large rocks weighing up to 15 tons as part of the annual levee repair program. These rocks will replace the existing levee rocks and make it more stable. Trucks and heavy equipment will access the levee via Bridge Street and 188th Street.

An exact start date for the work has not yet been set. Trail users can visit the project website to learn more about the project and get daily updates about the trail closure schedule.

“This maintenance work is needed to protect people and property when a lot of water is flowing in the Carbon River,” said Harold Smelt, Pierce County Public Works surface water manager. “We recognize these closures of the trail are inconvenient, so we appreciate the community’s patience.”

Pedestrians and cyclists will not be allowed through the worksite during the closure due to heavy equipment traffic and hazardous trail conditions. Flaggers will be on both ends of the closure during work hours to ensure people do not enter the barricaded construction zone.

Pierce County will post signs at trailheads and on either side of the work site warning trail users of the maintenance work and closures. People on the trail should use caution around the work site and follow instructions from the crew.

If the trail is able to re-open during non-work hours, the trail surface may be rougher than normal, so trail users should use extreme caution. After the work is completed, the trail will be resurfaced if needed to repair any damages.

Due to federal, state and local environmental regulations, construction on most river projects must be done during the summer to avoid impacts to salmon. Construction has been scheduled for late July to early August to avoid disruption of planned events taking place on the trail.