Major improvements are coming to Forbes State Park over the next two years.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Transportation have budgeted $8.45-million to resurface the main and secondary roads in the park along with parking areas. The Thunder Bridge will be replaced along with a number of culverts. The project also includes new signage as well as new lighting at the beach.
Forbes State Park Superintendent Clint Benhoff says the park will remain open throughout the project, but some sections may be closed off while roads are being resurfaced. He reports there are improvements planned at both marinas, but at least one will remain open at all times. Benhoff also expects improvements to the camping pads at the main campground, which may reduce the capacity of the campgrounds. However, it will also remain open through the project. The project will also extend to the equestrian campground. At this time there are no plans to replace the equestrian building that was destroyed in the Memorial Day weekend tornado that hit the park area.
Benhoff says because of the changing number of available camping spaces, the camping reservation system is being taken off line and sites will be available on a first come first serve basis. He suggests calling the park office at (618) 547-3381 before coming out.
Benhoff says equipment for the project will be staged beginning on Monday with the work then taking place the rest of the construction season. IDOT says improvements will extend into next year.
Meanwhile, Benhoff says the Marina walkway bridge that was damaged by flooding is being repaired as a separate project and is currently partially open to the public.
