News Release
| Release Number: | 08-117 |
| Dated: | 7/25/2008 |
| Contact: | Scott Clemans, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close Foster Dam Road across the South Santiam River July 26 and July 28-31 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Motorists who wish to cross Foster Lake must do so at Quartzville Drive at the east end of the lake.
The Corps ordered the road closure to allow engineers and maintenance crews to investigate and maintain Foster Dam’s four spillway gates that control the reservoir’s level to ensure they will perform their intended purpose.
A recent routine inspection of two of the four gates provided information suggesting the gates would not work correctly during a moderate storm event.
“We understand that closing Foster Dam Road during these times is an inconvenience,” said Erik Peterson, operations manager for the Corps' 13 Willamette Valley dams. “But it’s very important that we ensure that these gates are able to safely operate and that we meet our primary mandate – protection of public safety.”
For more information about the status of Foster Dam, visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/v/proj_gpfoster.asp.