This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Provo • A reservoir north of Provo is closed to recreation until 2017.

The Daily Herald reports that the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service has closed the Tibble Fork Reservoir while workers complete a $7.3 million rehabilitation project. The construction is expected to double the reservoir's size, improve storm protection and include a seismically safe dam.

Engineers say the project will extend the dam's life by more than 50 years. NRCS water resources coordinator Norm Evenstad says the updated technology will help protect 140 homes downstream.

The project will also improve flood prevention, water supply and sediment retention for Highland, Cedar Hills, American Fork and Pleasant Grove.

Mineral Basin, Silver Lake Flat and the Granite Flat Campground will remain open to recreation.