Launching at the Elmwood Township marina this year could be challenging for boaters due to ongoing construction on M-22 north from M-72.
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine acknowledged the challenge in a memo dated March 17.
“Launching a boat at Elmwood Marina this year may be challenging, but with preparation and planning it is still possible,” Jenuwine wrote.
According to the harbormaster, Elmwood is the No. 1 deepwater launch facility in the area, many boaters from Clinch, Harbor West, CenterPointe, Bowers Harbor and even Suttons Bay use it each spring. However, due to construction on West Bay Shore Drive, boaters are advised of the following restrictions:
• Boats with a beam greater than 8.5 feet are encouraged to launch before May 1 to avoid diffi culty accessing the marina.
• Southbound M-22 (Cherry Bend to Elmwood Marina) : through approximately May 1, boats with a beam greater than 11 feet will require a waiver and coordination with construction crews to pass through the construction zone.
• After May 1, all lands in the construction zone will be restricted to 10 feet, and waivers will be required for boats wider than 8.5 feet.
• Alternative route for large boats (beam over 8.5 feet or greater) after May 1) travel up through the peninsula and back down M-22 to Elmwood Marina. Turn right on Cherry Bend Road and then proceed south the East Grandview Road, which ends directly across from the marina’s north entrance. This allows you to cross over rather than drive through the construction zone.
• Boats with a beam of 8.5 feet or less may pass through the construction zone at all times; however, turning in and out of the marina from a single-lane roadway with a trailer may be difficult. To ease entry, proceed through the Brewery Creek parking lot to East Grandview Road and cross over the construction zone directly into the marina’s north entrance.
Given the challenges, the marina opened Tuesday, earlier than usual.
“We encourage all slip and mooring ball customers to get their boats in the water as soon as possible,” Jenuwine wrote.
Those leaving the marina may face difficulty due to the two-lane construction zone. To ease the exit process, the harbormaster suggested boaters use the marina’s north entrance and turn left into the Brewery Creek parking lot. Travel 600 feet on East Grandview and turn to exist at the large driveway next to Subway.
This route provides an easier transition to northbound and southbound lanes with a trailer.
Daily launching boaters are advised the main lot along M-22 will have limited trailer parking until construction is completed. Once the lot is full, vehicles with trailer must park at Brewery Creek.
“The coming days will be challenging for everyone at Elmwood Marina,” Jenuwine said. “We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through both marina and road construction. “While we cannot change these circumstances, we will do everything possible to minimize and assist our customers.”
