West Bloomfield Trail Extension Project

The West Bloomfield Trail Extension Project will add another 2.7 miles to the already existing 4.25 mile West Bloomfield Trail. The rail corridor for the extension of the trail was purchased in December, 2010 with the majority of the funding coming from two grants awarded to the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2008. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund awarded a $1,452,500 acquisition grant and the Michigan Department of Transportation awarded a $300,000 Enhancement grant to the Road Commission of Oakland County on behalf of the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission. The Parks and Recreation Commission was also successful in securing two additional grants to use toward the construction of the trail extension. One grant was for $500,000 from the MDNR Trust Fund and a second from the Michigan Department of Transportation Enhancement Program in the amount of $611,430. The securing of these outside funds has allowed the Parks and Recreation Commission to move forward with the design and construction of the trail extension. The planning effort for the development of the trail extension got underway in September 2011 after the topographic and boundary survey of the property was completed. The construction drawings are close to completion and all the necessary permits have been applied for and approved. The schedule for construction is planned to start July of 2012. The rail and ties were removed and the surface graded to allow temporary use of the trail before construction. The winter will be a special time for cross country skiing and snowshoeing this section. It will remain open until construction begins in the spring and then will be closed during construction. When finished, the trail will have a surface of limestone fines similar to the existing West Bloomfield Trail.

Amenities will be installed such as universal accessible signage and benches, scenic overlooks, safe road crossings, landscaping and a boardwalk. This section of the trail, once finished, will meander through some of the most beautiful natural areas in the township.

The West Bloomfield Trail is part of the cross-state Michigan Airline Trail (a rails-to-trails project) and is identified in the report “Connecting Michigan: A State Trailways Vision and Action Plan.” It is also identified in the trail master plan for Oakland County by the Oakland Country Trail Advisory Council.

Trail Extension Map The aerial survey map shows the route of the trail extension west from the existing trail on Arrowhead Road. The map indicates the general location of overlooks and bench locations.

Arrowhead Road Crossing Concept Arrowhead is shown viewing the new trail extension looking east to the existing trail and Nature Preserve where it will connect with the existing trail. The trail will be constructed using the same limestone base as the existing trail. The road crossing at Arrowhead will have an elevated crosswalk designed to help slow traffic on the road and provide a safer crossing. All crossings will consist of painted crosswalks and stop signs for the trail users. In addition the trail is protected by solar lit bollards to keep unauthorized vehicles out.

Concept of the Overlook at Woodpecker Lake Overlook at Woodpecker Lake just west of Arrowhead Road is designed as an area to rest and view the lake or read one of the eight interpretive signs located along the trail. Benches and a bike rack will be installed here.

Halsted Road Crossing Concept Halsted Road is shown looking west. The trail will be connected at the safety path that runs in front of Pleasant Lake Elementary as shown in the concept. Since Halsted Road experiences a higher rate of speed and higher traffic counts, a pedestrian activated warning light will be installed at this location.

The Boardwalk Concept The Boardwalk located just north of the Walnut Lake Road crossing is designed to minimize any impact to the surrounding wetland. The boardwalk is about 400 feet long and will have a Pergola located near its mid-point to provide an opportunity for viewing the wetland and provide space for interpretive signage.

Walnut Lake Road Crossing Concept Walnut Lake Road looking west toward Haggerty. At this location the existing trail crosses Walnut Lake at a sharp angle. To make this crossing safer the trail will be realigned to allow a 90 degree crossing at Walnut Lake Road.

Haggerty Road Trailhead Concept Haggerty Road Trailhead will have access from Haggerty Road with a small parking lot. The West Bloomfield Trail ends at Haggerty Road.