The Monongahela National Forest has two major road construction projects scheduled for 2026. Recreation and transportation access impacts are projected. These projects are necessary to repair significant flood damage and restore safe access to key areas of the forest.
Two major repair projects are scheduled for 2026:
• Forest Road (FR) 76 Embankment Stabilization Project—Cranberry Area. This closure will affect the section of Forest Road 76 between the intersection with County Route 7/6 and the Woodbine area. No through traffic will be permitted during construction. Forest Visitors may access the recreation sites along the Cranberry River via Webster County Road 48 near Dyer, WV to Forest Road 101, to open portions of Forest Road 76.
• Forest Road (FR) 86 Base Repair and Resurfacing Project—Williams River Area. Forest Road 86 provides access to the Williams River corridor, one of the Forest’s most popular recreation destinations and is used as a connector route to Marlinton for the communities of Dyer, Donaldson, Upperglade and Cowen. This project will repair road base failures and resurface the entire 18.4-mile length of FR 86, improving safety and long-term durability.
Complete through traffic on FR 86 will not be allowed during the construction period.
• Work will occur in seven separate sections to limit disruptions.
• Each section will be closed while construction operations are underway.
• Sections may close more than once depending on construction sequencing.
Visitors are asked to respect all posted closures and avoid attempting to bypass the affected area. Updates will be shared on the Monongahela National Forest website and social media as new information becomes available.
Camp Observer