RAPID CITY — Work on the Torch River Bridge Boating Access Site will close the boat launch through Labor Day.
The closure starts Monday at the mouth of Torch River on the south end of Torch Lake where projects set forth by a new site plan will begin, according to a Department of Natural Resources statement.
“The goal of this project was to enhance the boating experience, particularly with regard to safely launching and retrieving watercraft,” said Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor. “We’re excited to bring this along awaited project to the public this summer.”
DNR officials recommended using other Torch Lake boating access points at Lake Skegemog, Torch River and Eastport during the closure.
Projects include a new entrance/exit onto Southwest Torch Lake Drive, a boat launch that includes one new skid pier and two launch lanes, the addition of vehicle-and-trailer and vehicle-only parking spaces, a carry-down launch and vehicle-only parking spaces for kayakers, paddle boarders and canoers, a vault toilet, paving of one parking lot and new sidewalks/crosswalks and the redesign of a gravel lot across from street.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials bought an additional 1.5 acres to enhance the boating access site in 2020, with a new site plan designed and engineered with help from public feedback collected in June 2022, according to the statement.
Funding comes from the Michigan State Waterways Fund that’s derived from boat registration fees and Michigan gas taxes.
For more information, contact Rosinski at 231-922-5270 or RosinskiS@Michigan.gov.