Date: April 16, 2012
Contact: Chris Case, 906-387-2607, x 209
MUNISING, Mich. Work on the Chapel Road and parking area continues this spring at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Visitors are reminded that last year's road closure at Chapel remains in effect.
Due to the extent of construction and heavy equipment at the work site, the last half mile of the Chapel Road and the Chapel-Mosquito trailhead parking area is closed until May 24. Limited parking is available at the beginning of the construction closure area. Foot traffic through the construction project is permitted.
The project began last November 21 and is expected to be completed by July 1. Work includes replacing two stream crossings, upgrading the last quarter mile of the Chapel Road, upgrading the Chapel-Mosquito trailhead parking area, and replacing the old vault toilet.
Facility Manager Chris Case explained that the project will eliminate runoff and siltation into two creeks in the area, improve the roadway, and provide a new parking area with circular traffic pattern with increased capacity to 49 cars and 4 RV/bus stalls. The project also includes a new fully accessible vault toilet unit.
The general contractor for the project is AMEC of Traverse City with AECOM of Marquette providing design and survey services and Gerou Excavating of Munising undertaking construction.
"We appreciate the public's understanding and cooperation as we continue with the construction activities of these significant improvements to the Chapel area," Case commented. "This project has been scheduled during the late fall and early spring to minimize its impact on the public. We look forward to improved access and more visitor friendly facility at this popular area of the national lakeshore."
