Paint Creek Trail bridge closing for construction

A charity bike ride this May along the Paint Creek Trail provides a great opportunity to use the trail before parts of it are closed this summer for construction work.

Two major construction projects are scheduled for the trail this summer, including a bridge replacement between Dutton and Silver Bell roads, and a resurfacing project.

Bridge 33.7 is scheduled to be replaced starting around June 1, which is located between Dutton and Silver Bell roads. The project is being funded by a $300,000 Federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant, and $150,000 from Oakland Township Parks and Recreation.

The project will cause the trail to be closed for about 60 to 90 days, with no detour provided.

Pedestrians will be able to use the trail from Rochester Municipal Park to Dutton Road, or Silver Bell Road to Children's Park in Lake Orion. The one mile section will be closed during the bridge replacement.

Following the bridge replacement, the trail is set to be resurfaced with crushed limestone from Rochester to Lake Orion, with rolling closures.

The projects are expected to be finished by late September.

Meanwhile, Motor City Brew Tours in cooperation with the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail on Saturday, May 5, will host its sixth annual Cruisin' for the Trails Spring Charity Bike Ride for Friends of the Paint Creek Trail.

The tour features a bike ride from Clubhouse BFD, 2265 Crooks, in Rochester Hills, along the Clinton River and Paint Creek Trails. The ride features a themed rest stop (beer and donuts) at the Paint Creek Cider Mill. Bike support will be provided by Main Street Bicycles.

The event is $30 to register, or $25 to register online in advance. Adult participants receive two complimentary beers and two fresh donuts. Additionally, all registered adults receive a Motor City Brew Tours Logo Coaster.

After the ride, there will be food for purchase and a Griffin Claw Brewing Company party with a live band and drink specials in the parking lot of Clubhouse BFD.

For more information, visit motorcitybrewtours.com or call 248.825.3085.