Kensington / Island Lake Connection Closure Starting July 30th

This was over on MMBA - but I figured with so many people who ride this around here, it would be nice to pass along:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2008

Contacts: Joanne Stritmatter 810-229-7067 or Mary Dettloff
517-335-3014

Road Construction Project Impacts Facilities, Access at Island Lake State Recreation Area

A road construction project will impact facilities and access points at Island Lake State Recreation Area, including a paved pathway, a waterway and the shooting range, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.

The Oakland County Road Commission’s construction project to replace the bridge on Grand River Road over the Huron River, between Kent Lake Road and Kensington Road, is scheduled to begin July 30, with a completion date of Nov. 15.

During this time, the paved pathway and waterway that connect Island Lake Recreation Area with Kensington Metropark under Grand River Road and I-96 will be closed to all foot, bicycle, boat and other traffic for safety reasons.

“This is a very popular route for visitors using canoes, kayaks, bikes and rollerblades,” said Joanne Stritmatter, park manager of Island Lake Recreation Area. “Both the pathway and waterway are in the construction zone. For everyone’s safety, we have to close this route between the parks.”

Grand River Road will be closed at the bridge and there will be no through traffic allowed between Kent Lake and Kensington Roads. This will also close access into the Island Lake Shooting Range from the east and visitors will only be able to access the range from the west off Grand River Road.

Persons with canoes or kayaks can contact Heavner Canoe Rental at 248-685-2379 to make arrangements for portage around this project.

Island Lake Recreation Area is located at 12950 East Grand River Rd. near Brighton. For more information about the status of this project, contact JoAnne Stritmatter at 810-229-7067.