From staff reports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announced the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Millstone Township, with financial assistance from Elk County and Allegheny National Forest, will replace the Church Run culvert on the Clarion River Road (T-301). Church Run is a wild trout stream with a 1,300-acre watershed.
According to a Forest Service news release, construction begins Monday, and one-half mile of River Road will be closed for about two weeks. A detour will be posted using SR 3001 and SR 3002 (Spring Creek, Belltown, Halton-Belltown, and Hoffhill Roads).
“Although this temporary disruption to traffic along the Clarion River Road occurs during a premiere period of scenic beauty, the long-term benefits to the public will extend well beyond the current fall foliage season,” Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon said.
The bottomless arch AOP culvert is designed to safely pass the flows of a 100-year storm, reduce maintenance needs, mimic a natural streambed, and improve aquatic organism passage, according to the release. The new culvert will improve the habitat for multiple species of fish, salamanders, frogs, crayfish, and other animals that travel along stream corridors.