DOT Temporarily Closes Copper River Highway South Of O'Brien Creek

In Response To Concerns About Gravesites At O'Brien Creek & Use Of the Road   

May 23, 2024 

The Alaska DOT&PF has temporarily closed the Copper River Highway / Wood Canyon Trail south of O'Brien Creek to design and deliver roadway improvements to protect a culturally sensitive location. Discoveries were made during investigations for the upgrade of the O'Brien Creek Bridge and trail improvements. The closure is temporary, with efforts being made to reopen the trail by June 7, 2024, in time for fishing.

HISTORY WITH THE COUNTRY JOURNAL 

In 1989, State Built A New Bridge & Access Road At O'Brien Creek, Bypassing Chitina Native Lands 

In 1989, the State of Alaska didn't want to pay the village of Chitina a little over $22,500 for access to village lands at O'Brien Creek. So DOT made an entirely new "road" for motorists. 

In current money, $22,500 in 1989 amounts to around $57,000 today.* 

*Today's amount has been corrected to be more accurate.

SEE RECENT O'BRIEN CREEK JOURNAL STORIES HERE...

https://www.countryjournal2020.com/2024/05/graves-at-obrien-creek-were-topic-of.html 

https://www.countryjournal2020.com/2024/05/obrien-creek-burial-grounds-native.html 

 Here's a 1989 story in the printed Copper River Country Journal:

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