Chicken Rock bridge CLOSED?

[FishPOET]

[nwoods]

Where is that? Not the one near Pleasant Canyon in DV, right? That bridge was just rebuilt 2 years ago!

[FishPOET]

http://nclrclub.org/forum/showthread.php?1320

post #7

[nwoods]

Here is some more discussion on it:
- http://www.deathvalley.com/dvtalk/messages/553827.shtml
- http://www.deathvalley.com/dvtalk/messages/553075.shtml

Doug, when I get more info per our discussion I'll post up what I can

[bakerhab]

Harry spoke to the Ridgecrest Field Office Manager about this yesterday. He was told that based on the results of an inspection by the state BLM, (due to concerns over recent rollovers) the bridge and the corner known as Chicken Rock, have been closed to all vehicles EXCEPT ATC's and motorcycles. The signs are placed approximately a quarter mile above Chicken Rock and below the bridge. According to the BLM Manager, there is safe turnaround room at both of the sign placements.

Harry was told that there will be another inspection and review by July. However, the Manager stated that this was a public safety issue and within his authority to close this portion of the road now.

Harry suggested that it would be in the BLM's best interest to put out a press release informing the public of this action and that the sign placement was problematic, as it did not give enough notice that the route, long used as a through route was now closed in the middle. The BLM Manager agreed to both suggestions.

Besides the ramifications of this closure to the traveling public, it has a major impact on Cal 4 Wheel's Panamint Valley Days, as both Pleasant Canyon and South Park are both used as through runs during this event.

Helen Baker

[nwoods]

Thank you Helen! Sounds like a few guys with a jack hammer to level out Chicken Corner would make this problem non-existent. Anyone at MJR have a portable jackhammer? Sounds like another Adopt-a-trail work party opportunity!

[bakerhab]

Funny, we've thought the same thing. We drive a full size pickup and coming around Chicken Rock scares the bejeezus out of me. The bridge no so much.

Apparently Cal 4 Wheel sent a letter suggesting a joint work party. Don't hold your breath, but....... stranger things have happened.

Helen Baker

[Ol Man]

Kris Tholke in our club has also been talking to the Ridgecrest office about this. Here is his post on Pirate:

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=977388

Kris has been active in trying to get Surprise Canyon open through the Friends of Panamint Valley group:

http://www.fopv.org/

[karstic]

Where is that? Not the one near Pleasant Canyon in DV, right? That bridge was just rebuilt 2 years ago!

3 years ago

[Roger]

Trailer mounted air compressors and jack hammers can be rented fairly reasonably.