OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Construction is expected to begin mid-July on the Graves Creek Road in the Quinault Valley, with the road to reopen to vehicles late October.

Repair of the South Shore Road, also in the Olympic National Park, is planned as well, park spokeswoman Barb Maynes said in a statement.

Both roads were damaged during a 2007 storm, Graves Creek Road at eight places along its 6-mile length. It is open now for pedestrian, bicycle and stock use but remains closed to vehicles.

South Shore Road

Flood water damaged the South Shore Road. After emergency repairs, the road reopened to vehicles in April 2008.

Both the Graves Creek and South Shore roads provide access to the Quinault Rain Forest.

Together with the North Shore Road, the South Shore Road provides a loop drive through the forest, while the Graves Creek Road leads to a campground, ranger station and a trailhead.

A finding of no significant environmental impact of the planned construction was announced at the end of last month, Maynes said.

An environmental assessment evaluating proposals to repair the two roads was released in September 2008.

Based on public comments, the park elected to combine two of the alternatives to both restore access and incorporate protective measures for habitat restoration, Maynes said.

Documents relating to both roads can be viewed online by selecting Olympic National Park at the National Park Service Web site at http://park planning.nps.gov/olym.

For more information, phone 360-565-3004.