$900,000 in construction work begins next week at state park

ROCKFORD -- Road and parking lot reconstruction, new bicycle lanes and directional signage are among improvements the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will begin making at Rock Cut State Park next week, according to Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman.

"Rock Cut has long been one of the most visited, if not the most visited, tourist site in our region. Because of its popularity and high visibility," Stadelman said, "it is imperative the state re-invest in and refresh this important public asset."

The project also includes culvert replacement and the addition of disabled access to the children's fishing pond.

IDNR announced this week that the eastern half of the Rock Cut's main traffic loop will close Tuesday, February 14, for road and parking lot resurfacing.The eastern half of the park itself from Bay View picnic area to the campground road also is expected to remain shut down through an expected October completion date.

The construction work also requires closing the bridge over Interstate 90 to Olson Beach, but the beach area will be open from the Harlem Road entrance. Trails that lead to the construction area will be blocked off to ensure the safety of hikers and bicyclists.

Barricades and signage will alert visitors to the closures and warn them of fines of $195 for violating the barricades. The map below indicates road (light green) and trail (red) closures.

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