Gulf Brook Road, which provides access to the Boreas Ponds, will be temporarily closed on weekdays for repairs and improvements beginning at sundown on June 24, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.

DEC crews, assisted by crews from the Essex County Department of Public Works, will be completing repairs on the road between the Blue Ridge Road and the Fly Pond Gate. This is the section of road open to motor vehicle traffic under the Boreas Ponds Tract (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/107504.html) Interim Access Plan.

While work is underway the road will be closed to public motor vehicle use. Horses, bicycles, and pedestrians will be allowed on the road but must use caution and follow all instructions of workers when approaching or within active work areas. The road will be open to public motor vehicle access each weekend from 5 pm Friday through sundown on Sunday.

The road was heavily impacted by the long, hard winter this year. Deep frost and melting snows caused considerable uplift of rocks and rutting. The Draft Vanderwhacker Wild Forest Unit Management Plan Amendment describes previously identified concerns with the road and the needed work to address them.

Until the repairs are complete, only four-wheel drive SUVs, pick-up trucks, and other high clearance vehicles should use the road. Drivers should use caution, drive slowly, and watch for oncoming vehicles.

DEC encourages the use of four-wheel drive SUVs, pick-up trucks, and other high clearance vehicles on all seasonal access roads such as the Gulf Brook Road.