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.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.