Water traffic update: Although the sun is out, boaters are still requested to avoid travel on the Stanislaus River near the McHenry Avenue Bridge.

The Improve McHenry Avenue construction team is advising boats to stay clear around the McHenry Avenue Bridge construction site on the Stanislaus River.  The recent heavy rainfall caused a rise in water flow requiring construction crews to remove the decking of the temporary bridge trestle. Water levels are too high for boats or rafts to pass under the remaining steel beams. If water levels continue to rise, the remaining beams could become submerged creating potential underwater obstructions. The high-water flow is also cause for excess river debris to travel through the construction area, which may aggravate conditions. 

With the recent rainy weather and upcoming snowmelt, the water flow will remain high. Boaters are still advised to avoid the McHenry Avenue construction work area.