Riverfront access and trespassing addressed in latest McGregor construction update

Motorists in standard size vehicles can now access the McGregor riverfront, the city announced last week in a Main Street construction update.

The release stated, on a trial run basis, motorists in standard size vehicles are permitted to access the riverfront parking lot through the Kwik Star parking lot to get to Big Buoy’s Tiki Bar, boat slips and riverfront park. There is not enough clearance for vehicles pulling boats or trailers of any kind, or oversized vehicles, to safely travel through the Kwik Star parking lot to the riverfront. The boat launch will remain closed for this reason.

The city of McGregor credited contractors for making this happen.

“They understand how important access to our riverfront is and have generously worked with the city and Kwik Star to make adjustments to the construction zone area,” the update said. “If at any point this becomes problematic due to patrons trying to bring boats or trailers into or through the Kwik Star parking lot, or we run into traffic flow concerns or other safety concerns, motorist access to the riverfront parking lot and Big Buoy’s may be temporarily discontinued.”

The city encourages all to work together to retain this access. 

Also in last week’s update, citing issues with trespassing, the city reminded unauthorized motorists and pedestrians to keep out of the construction zone.

The update attributed some instances during operating hours as likely accidental, but said a more concerning percentage is deliberate after hours and weekend trespassing occurring by some locals.  

“If you open the gated construction zone that is clearly marked with a ‘road closed’ sign to drive in or walk through the construction zone, you will now be cited for trespassing,” according to the city. “For the public’s safety and liability concerns, contractors cannot allow the public to enter the construction zone. If you move or slide the fencing to allow access for non-emergency purposes, or leave open the fencing, you could very well put yourself and/or others in harm’s way and may be held accountable. If trespassing continues to be problematic and contractors are forced to utilize hard barriers, this will impact emergency response time if there is an accident or incident that occurs in or on the other side of the construction area, which includes our riverfront. Let’s work together so this doesn’t happen.”

Those who may have a legitimate reason to access the construction zone are asked to contact the city to safely arrange this with contractors.