News Release Archive

USE CAUTION DURING CONSTRUCTION OF AMERICAN RIVER PUMP STATION PROJECT

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: April 12, 2004

Reclamation reminds people using the Auburn Dam project roads for hiking, bicycling, and leisure walks to use extreme caution while construction continues on the American River Pump Station Project (Project).

People accessing Auburn Dam project roads -- which are all gated and can be accessed from Pacific Avenue or Maidu Drive in Auburn -- should note that heavy large construction equipment, trucks delivering materials, and various other types of vehicles are also using these project roads.

When walking, running, or biking on these roads, use the left side of the road at the edge of the travel way so that oncoming drivers and recreationists can see each other. When people are walking, they should walk in single file at the edge of the road. Children should be kept under close supervision, and dogs should be kept on a leash so they do not stray into traffic.

The canyon bottom is closed to public access because of the volume of construction traffic and limited space. Signs are posted stating that construction activities are taking place and that the roads leading to the bottom of the canyon are closed to public access. Blasting is routinely conducted at the canyon bottom, within areas that are posted off limits to public access.

The portion of the Auburn to Cool Trail from the Batch Plant (Gravel Storage Area) on the west side of the North Fork of the American River within the Auburn Dam Site to the Knickerbocker Flats area on the east side of the canyon is open to public use on Sundays only. No other trail or portion of the dam site except the designated Auburn to Cool Trail will be open to public use until the Project is completed some time in 2005. An organized event known as the American River 50 Ride will take place on Saturday, April 24.

All persons using Auburn Dam project access roads should follow the posted warnings and restrictions as they are for the public's safety.

For more information, call David Jones in Reclamation's Public Affairs office at 916-978-5108, or e-mail him at: dajones@mp.usbr.gov. Additional information is available on Reclamation's website at: www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/pcwa.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

American River Pump Station Project