An environmental assessment of a $6.6 million upgrade to Blue Lakes Road in Alpine County is available for review.
The Federal Highway Administration is funding repairs to nearly 12 miles of forest highway beginning at State Route 88 and ending at the entrance to Lower Blue Lakes Campground.
A public hearing is scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Turtle Rock Park, 17300 State Route 89, Markleeville.
The goal of the project is to extend the life of the road by resurfacing the existing pavement and widening lanes. The improvement project would also include the construction of a paved vehicle turnaround loop and information station.
Highway administration officials said deteriorating road conditions, inadequate drainage features and other safety problems justify the road repair. They hope to start construction by Oct. 1.
Copies of the environmental assessment can be picked up at Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, 1200 Franklin Way, Sparks; or Eldorado National Forest, 100 Forni Road, Placerville, Calif. Comments will be accepted until Aug. 24.
