Corps closes portions of trail to accommodate dike repairs

Corps closes portions of trail to accommodate dike repairs

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced it will close additional portions of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) due to ongoing construction associated with the rehabilitation of Herbert Hoover Dike.

    On May 1, the portion of trail between John Stretch Park and South Bay is scheduled to close. The closure will likely remain in effect through most of 2014, while contractors work to replace a water control structure at the Culvert 4A site west of South Bay.

    Contractors are using heavy construction vehicles and large equipment within these areas. Any additional traffic on the dike crest poses a safety hazard for visitors and equipment operators.

    "Public safety is our top priority," said Ingrid Bon, forward Project Manager for Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation. "Closing this section of trail helps reduce the possibility of an accident involving a member of the general public, and allows the contractor to complete the work in the most efficient manner possible."

    Several sections of trail are closed on the south side of the lake between Moore Haven and Port Mayaca due to ongoing work to repair the dike. A full listing of the closures can be found at the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail website:

    http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/LakeOkeechobeeScenicTrail.aspx

    For information on other Lake Okeechobee recreation opportunities, please visit the Jacksonville District Recreation website:

    http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation.aspx

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