Highway superintendent reports storm-driven washouts, temporary closures; crews repair South Hidden Lakes and Antelope roads

Jason Schultz, Lincoln County Highway Superintendent, told commissioners on June 30 that heavy rains and construction traffic caused storm-related damage on several county roads last week.

Schultz said heavy hauling and campground traffic contributed to deterioration on South Hidden Lakes Road. After severe storms and soaking rains the road was closed briefly; county crews hauled material and repaired soft spots and reopened the road about 4:30 p.m. the following Thursday. Schultz said alternate local access remained available while repairs were underway.

Schultz also reported a washout on Antelope Road just south of Hershey, where a culvert was washed out during a flooding event. That segment remained closed while crews located underground utilities (including a fiber line), procured culverts and mobilized equipment; Schultz told the board he expected the road to reopen the following day after the locate and culvert installation.

Schultz said the county experienced multiple low-water crossings countywide but avoided additional closures; crews deployed barricades and warnings and prioritized repairs where commercial or camp traffic made access critical. Commissioners thanked the highway staff for responding quickly and noted positive public feedback about recent road work on Indian Hills and other areas.

In other road-related notes, Schultz said the city’s Walker Road sewer project would require temporary closures and detours, with traffic expected to be diverted to State Farm and Eugene during pipeline and dewatering operations. Schultz did not provide a definitive completion date for the Walker Road work and said the contractor’s schedule had been slowed by wet conditions in the early phase of the project.

The superintendent asked residents to heed signage and detours while crews completed repairs and encouraged callers to report roadway concerns to the highway office.