ParkIt by Ned MacKay: Fences in place for Carquinez Scenic Drive reconstruction in Martinez

The fences are now in place, and a 1.7-mile section of Carquinez Scenic Drive between Martinez and Port Costa is closed during a two-year, $5.6 million reconstruction project.

Actually, that section of road has been closed officially since the 1980s, because landslide damage made it unsafe to traverse. However, hikers and bicyclists have been using it informally anyway. But now the closure will be more strictly enforced.

Carquinez Scenic Drive was a Contra Costa County road. The East Bay Regional Park District acquired a trail easement from the county last December.

Using a variety of federal, state, county and park district funding sources, the road will be converted to a top-notch bicycle and pedestrian trail. It will be closed to autos except for service and emergency vehicles.

Work will include stabilizing embankments, installing drainage systems, and rehabilitation of the old road surface. Reopening is expected in the fall of 2014.

The completed trail will become part of the 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail, which will eventually encircle the entire Bay. So far, 310 miles of the Bay Trail have been developed, much of it in the East Bay regional parks.

Another trail being constructed around the Bay is the Bay Area Ridge Trail. As the name implies, it will encircle the Bay via ridge tops rather than shoreline.

An East Bay Hills Ridge Trail Benefit Hike for the East Bay portion of the trail is planned from Wednesday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 1.

If you go the distance, it's 55 miles from Orinda to Hayward, on trails connecting to and including the Ridge Trail, sharing camp with the East Bay Hills Trails Benefit Equestrian Ride.

This is a fully supported hike, which means the organizers will move your tent, sleeping bag and other gear for you. All meals are provided. Nightly camps are at Tilden, Joaquin Miller and Anthony Chabot parks in the East Bay hills, with entertainment including naturalist talks, stargazing and an equestrian drill team.

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ParkIt by Ned MacKay: Fences in place for Carquinez Scenic Drive reconstruction in Martinez