Capt Jeff
08-26-2003, 06:37 PM
August 22, 2003
Refuge Roads Get Upgrades, but Face Temporary Closures
Several Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge roads and dikes are getting a face-lift, but not without some temporary inconveniences to visitors. Funds have been received to fix and upgrade several roads on the refuge, including Peacock's Pocket, L-Pond Road, Shiloh Marsh Road, SR 406 and SR 402, but closures are necessary in order to repair them.
The most notable closures will involve SR 402, where trees have encroached into the right-of-way, creating a safety hazard for vehicles making emergency stops and obstructing a clear view of animals crossing the road. Currently, a two mile stretch of road from the SR 406/SR 402 split to the Refuge Visitor Information Center is closed to remove such vegetation.
A detour has been provided along SR 406 and SR 3 allowing continued access to all attractions such as Playalinda Beach, the Refuge Visitor Information Center and Refuge trails. Once this section is complete and reopened, work will begin on a second road section from the Max Brewer Causeway to the SR 406/SR 402 split. One lane of traffic will be kept open with a flagman during this phase of the project to allow full access to the refuge and Playalinda Beach. The entire project should be complete by mid-September.
Refuge dike roads are also receiving upgrades. These roads have experienced erosion from strong storms and high traffic, and have not received repairs in decades. L-Pond Road and Shiloh Marsh Road are currently closed for road repairs slated to begin this fall. Erosion has created unsafe driving conditions for visitors on both roads. Shiloh Marsh Road should reopen in the fall of 2004 and L-Pond Road is expected to reopen in the summer of 2004.
Neither closure will affect access for waterfowl hunting season. However, construction crews and equipment may create disturbance to waterfowl. Scouting areas prior to hunting is recommended. Fisherman may be affected by these closures, but BioLab Road, West Gator Creek and Catfish Creek Loop still provide good destinations for fisherman.
Peacock's Pocket Road has received extensive repairs after it was damaged by hurricanes several years ago. Refuge employees have replaced material washed away by the storms and the five-mile road from Peacock's Pocket to Gator Creek will reopen September 12, 2003. The West Gator Creek section will remain closed until this winter to allow grasses to become better established. The grass root systems help hold the roads together during heavy rains and extend the life of the road.
Also beginning this year are repairs on the Bairs Cove Boat Ramp parking lot at Haulover Canal. Plans call for paving and striping the lot to better define available parking spaces and add lighting for added safety and security. This project is expected to be completed sometime in the next year.
Refuge Roads Get Upgrades, but Face Temporary Closures
Several Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge roads and dikes are getting a face-lift, but not without some temporary inconveniences to visitors. Funds have been received to fix and upgrade several roads on the refuge, including Peacock's Pocket, L-Pond Road, Shiloh Marsh Road, SR 406 and SR 402, but closures are necessary in order to repair them.
The most notable closures will involve SR 402, where trees have encroached into the right-of-way, creating a safety hazard for vehicles making emergency stops and obstructing a clear view of animals crossing the road. Currently, a two mile stretch of road from the SR 406/SR 402 split to the Refuge Visitor Information Center is closed to remove such vegetation.
A detour has been provided along SR 406 and SR 3 allowing continued access to all attractions such as Playalinda Beach, the Refuge Visitor Information Center and Refuge trails. Once this section is complete and reopened, work will begin on a second road section from the Max Brewer Causeway to the SR 406/SR 402 split. One lane of traffic will be kept open with a flagman during this phase of the project to allow full access to the refuge and Playalinda Beach. The entire project should be complete by mid-September.
Refuge dike roads are also receiving upgrades. These roads have experienced erosion from strong storms and high traffic, and have not received repairs in decades. L-Pond Road and Shiloh Marsh Road are currently closed for road repairs slated to begin this fall. Erosion has created unsafe driving conditions for visitors on both roads. Shiloh Marsh Road should reopen in the fall of 2004 and L-Pond Road is expected to reopen in the summer of 2004.
Neither closure will affect access for waterfowl hunting season. However, construction crews and equipment may create disturbance to waterfowl. Scouting areas prior to hunting is recommended. Fisherman may be affected by these closures, but BioLab Road, West Gator Creek and Catfish Creek Loop still provide good destinations for fisherman.
Peacock's Pocket Road has received extensive repairs after it was damaged by hurricanes several years ago. Refuge employees have replaced material washed away by the storms and the five-mile road from Peacock's Pocket to Gator Creek will reopen September 12, 2003. The West Gator Creek section will remain closed until this winter to allow grasses to become better established. The grass root systems help hold the roads together during heavy rains and extend the life of the road.
Also beginning this year are repairs on the Bairs Cove Boat Ramp parking lot at Haulover Canal. Plans call for paving and striping the lot to better define available parking spaces and add lighting for added safety and security. This project is expected to be completed sometime in the next year.