The Russian River Campground closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic Wednesday, according to a release from the Forest Service.

The release says that the closure is part of ongoing construction on the Russian River Campground Road, which will involve “extensive heavy machinery use.” The road is set to be reopened on May 29, “sooner if progress allows.”

The project, set to reconstruct 1 mile of the road, will involve creation of new retaining walls above and below the road, expansion of the shoulder, and installation of a new surface and railing, the release says. These improvements will both improve access for users and protect nearby “critical salmon habitat” from hillside erosion.

The Russian River and Angler’s Trail can still be accessed via the Russian River Ferry at Sportsman’s Landing through Sept. 4. Aspen Flats and Upper Russian Lake Cabins will also remain open for reservations, but will need to be accessed via the trailhead at Snug Harbor Road rather than the Lower Russian Lakes trailhead.

Barber Cabin will be closed until the campground reopens.

For more information about Russian River Campground, visit fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=6647.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.