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Aug. 2, 2017
Contact: Paul Gaberdiel, 906-235-9650
Bridge over Prout Road in Mackinac County replaced
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that the bridge that services both State Forest Prout Road and Snowmobile Trail No. 473, which is used by a multitude of forest users throughout the summer, has reopened. The new box culvert replaces a bridge and provides access over a feeder stream to the Cut River, located at T42N, R6W, Section 6, in Mackinac County.
The new structure will be safer for users and reduce sedimentation into the stream.
Grant funding from the Recreation Trail Program, ORV Trail Improvement Fund and Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund was used for this project. Funds derived from the sale of ORV and snowmobile licenses and permits are reinvested back into their respective programs through a grant program.
The bridge was replaced with a concrete box culvert, which is anticipated to have a longer life span and require less maintenance than a bridge during that time. Although box culverts may not be the right fit for many sites, it was a good option for this site, said Paul Gaberdiel, the DNR's recreation trails specialist for the East Upper Peninsula District. “It is a great option to address environmental issues by reducing future erosion and sedimentation into the stream,” he said.
For more information, contact Paul Gaberdiel at 906-235-9650 or gaberdielp@michigan.gov or visit www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails.
Visit www.michigan.gov/dnrclosures to learn about additional closures and trail detours in DNR facilities, including state trails, boat launches, parks and campgrounds. Information on intermittent closures may not be posted.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos, showing both the old Prout Road bridge and the newly completed Prout Road box culvert in Mackinac County, are available below for download./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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