A couple of major projects including road construction will result in restricted access to early spring visitors to Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan’s Great Southwest, but by summer everyone trying to get into the popular park should find the Red Arrow Highway backups to be considerably eased if not eliminated outright.
Michigan State Park officials have two major two major enhancement projects lined up this spring and summer for the park along Lake Michigan south of Bridgman.
A major road project is already under way and will include asphalt overlays, full-depth concrete pavement repairs, fog sealing and the addition of road shoulders. But the really big news for those who have been caught in long lines and traffic jams at the entrance to the park is that a new lane will also be added to the park entrance road to help reduce that traffic buildup on Red Arrow Highway during the busiest part of the season.
Authorities are warning that there will be restricted road access during construction over the next month in order to allow the contractor to complete the work as quickly as possible. Sections of the park will reopen as work is completed. The $1.1 million project, funded and overseen by the Michigan Department of Transportation, should be completed by May 20th.
Park Supervisor Andrew Montgomery says, “Roads will not fully close to the beach, but may be down to one lane at times,” and he cautions, “The campground road will be closed for a couple of days when the asphalt is placed, but we will make every effort to have it completed before the campground opens.”
As the major road project nears completion, a second enhancement project will begin. The $2.3 million project, scheduled this month through November, includes the complete replacement of the north and south toilet and bathhouse buildings in the park’s day-use area. Additionally, new food truck pads will be constructed to make room for additional food truck vendors. The day-use area will be open during construction, and portable toilets will be available. The buildings currently are in the process of being demolished, and new foundation and brick work is about a month away.
Anyone planning to visit Warren Dunes State Park this spring is encouraged to first visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures for status updates of opened park roads. Additional information on closures and trail detours in DNR facilities including state trails, boat launches, parks and campgrounds is also listed on that page.
Michigan State Park officials from the Department of Natural Resources provided the accompanying rendering shown here at Moody on the Market to reflect the new $2.3-million pavilion planned for the park.
