News Release Archive

Placer County Water Agency Pump Station Project Auburn Dam Site Temporarily Closed To Public Access

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

For Release: October 21, 2003

Reclamation has closed the portion of the Auburn to Cool trail crossing the dry river channel at the Auburn Dam Site to all public use until January 2004 to protect public safety during the current phase of construction at the Placer County Water Agency Pump Station Project (Project).

Construction earth moving equipment including large haul trucks, bulldozers, and excavators are working in the entire area of the dry river channel and the access roads near the river channel. Blasting will begin soon in the area and will be extensive. Signs denoting trail closures and blasting warning signs are being posted at appropriate locations on the existing access roads and trails where public access is prohibited. Signs are also being posted at trailheads and staging areas.

On the Auburn or north side of the river, the closed area begins where the road down to the river nears the old batch plant site, and upstream, at the intersection of the old railroad grade with project roads. On the Cool or El Dorado County side of the river, signs are being posted on trails before they drop into the American River Canyon above the construction site.

Hikers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians may continue to use the roads and trails outside of the closed area on both the Auburn and Cool sides of the river canyon, but the area remains closed to all public vehicle use. Signs are being posted at the Maidu Drive gate and at other locations on the Auburn side warning the public to expect construction vehicle traffic on the roads at all times and for recreationists to keep to the road shoulder. The public can continue to use the roads and trails that access the river at Oregon Bar that are downstream of the construction site closed area.

Sometime after this phase of the construction work has been completed, a temporary trail connection should be available for use on weekends only until the river is again flowing through the area.

# # #

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.