Archived News Release: June 7, 2016 - On Tuesday, July 5, a one-mile portion of the Border-to-Border (B2B) trail, between Geddes Dam and Gallup Park picnic shelter, will close for a reconstruction project. This section of the B2B trail will be completely closed to park visitors during the entire duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Thanks in part to a $447,500 program grant from Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), this project includes the replacement and widening of the path from Geddes Dam at the east end of Gallup Park pathway to the parking lot east of the Huron Parkway. The pathway is in need of repair of the asphalt and widening from 8 to 10 feet to meet the current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standards. The Parks and Recreation Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage will provide matching funding for the grant in the amount of $200,000 for a total construction project budget of $647,500. These funds have been approved in the FY16 parks capital budget.
The Gallup Park Pathway is an important part of the B2B Trail and the State of Michigan Iron Belle Trail that runs through the city along the Huron River connecting communities across Washtenaw County. The Gallup pathway is one of the most popular segments of the B2B in Washtenaw County, as it serves as both a recreational and commuter route.
"Due to the heavy volume of usage, we apologize for the inconvenience of the trail closure, but appreciate everyone's understanding as to the necessity of the project. Expanding the trail will improve its safety for all users and add to the trail's usefulness," said Parks and Recreation Manager Colin Smith.
Because the one-mile section of the B2B trail will be closed during the entire duration of the project, commuters must seek alternate routes. Signage has been placed in key locations along the trail to notify users of the upcoming closure and the need to seek alternate routes between July 5 and the end of September. For those relying on this section of the trail to commute from Ypsilanti, the suggested alternate route is to continue north on Dixboro, west on Geddes, north on Earhart and west on Glacier Way. Please view the online bike map at www.a2gov.org/bike to view this route or to determine other alternate routes.
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