Construction begins at Stib Night site as crews prepare worker housing facility

Valley County is gearing up for significant construction activities as preparations begin for a new worker housing facility at the project site. During the Valley County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 21, 2025, officials outlined plans for early construction work, which is expected to commence this spring, ideally before the July 4 holiday. The groundwork will involve light construction activities, including site preparation for the future housing modules, with concrete trucks and sand deliveries anticipated as part of the initial phase.

The project will also include the development of a borrow site at the Bartleaug Road maintenance facility, where excess material will be tested to ensure it meets county road standards for a gravel cap on Johnson Creek. This testing is crucial for regraveling the remaining ten miles of Johnson Creek, which has not yet been completed. The timeline for these activities may extend into the next season, depending on the pace of implementation.

Traffic patterns are expected to change significantly during the construction phase, with an increase in heavy truck traffic compared to the mining phase. Oversized loads will be transported to the site in pieces, including large mining equipment, while standard semi-trailer loads will be used during operations. To manage this influx of traffic and minimize disruptions, the project team plans to consolidate worker transportation through buses and vans, particularly during the busy summer months.

Additionally, the project has received authorization from the Forest Service to limit traffic to designated routes, specifically Johnson Creek and Burnt Log Route, to protect other access roads and mitigate impacts on recreational activities in the area. This strategic approach aims to ensure that construction and operational activities proceed smoothly while safeguarding the local environment and community interests.

As these developments unfold, Valley County residents can expect increased construction activity and traffic, but also the promise of enhanced facilities and infrastructure in the near future.