Road construction begins near Suttle Lake

This dangerous intersection will soon be changed.

Drivers heading toward Suttle Lake this summer should factor in some extra time, because road construction projects will cause delays.

The work on a new access road to Suttle Lake Resort and Cinder Beach is expected to have long lasting benefits to road safety and driving conditions in the area.

"The work is scheduled during the summer to protect water quality in Lake Creek, Suttle Lake and the Metolius River and to protect spawning fish and bald eagles," said Maret Pajutee, Implementation Coordinator for the Sisters Ranger District. "In addition, the dry weather helps with construction and paving."

Reconstruction and repaving began June 17 on access road (2070) to Blue Lake, Scout Lake, and Suttle Lake campgrounds at South Shore and Blue Bay. Access to Camp Caldera, Suttle Lake Methodist Camp, Camp Davidson, and Camp Tamarack will also be affected.

Delays should not exceed 30 minutes.

In early July construction begins on a new access road to Suttle Lake Resort and Cinder Beach. This will replace the old unsafe entry onto Highway 20 with a new connection from the Road 2070 across Lake Creek.

The old access has been the site of many accidents in recent years and has been deemed unsafe by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

As part of the new access a right turn lane will be constructed on eastbound Hwy 20 to allow safe entrance onto Road 2070 and a new bridge will be built across Lake Creek.

The pedestrian bridge which currently allows access from the east side of Suttle Lake to the Resort and Cinder Beach will be closed for up to 90 days while the new road and bridge are completed.

Hikers, bikers, and campers on the Metolius Mountain Bike Trail near Suttle Lake and the Suttle Lake Trail will not be able to access this area.

Accessing the west side of Suttle Lake, Cinder Beach and the Suttle Lake Resort will require using Highway 20. The old access road to the resort and Cinder Beach will remain open through the summer until the new access road and bridge are completed.

Traffic delays should be expected.

Shortly after July 4 and continuing through August, ODOT will be working on 14 miles of Highway 20 from the 20/22 intersection to the Jack Lake Road, one mile east of Suttle Lake.

Crews will be working at night replacing pavement and repairing guardrails. For more information check the Deschutes National Forest website in the Recreation Report, www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/index-recport.html, under Construction Delays and Closures, or call (541) 383-5300.

Information about roadwork on Highway 20 can be found at www.tripcheck.com/ or call (503) 986-2900.