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"We aren't getting as many people driving by who might normally stay for just one night, but our repeat clients are still returning,"Linda Legue said about the impact that the US-131 road construction project is having on the business that she and her husband, Rick, have owned and operated for the past 10 years.

"People always comment on the big size of our campsites and how quiet it is here, and they just love our fully furnished cabins.Ó

Located between Wood Road and Twin Lake Road near the endpoint of phase one in the 11.29-mile construction project, the campground's 68 campsites and four cabins are situated on two levels next to and overlooking the lovely Rapid River. The Class A trout stream is also great for canoeing Ð and hikers can even pick up Petoskey stones along the wooded trails that criss-cross the property.

"This is a good spot for family reunions, corporate picnics and gettogethers and canoe trips for groups or individuals,Ó Linda said, noting that the central location of Rapid River Campground and Cabins is another reason why visitors keep coming back year after year.

"It's easy for people to stay here and make day trips to places like Traverse City, Sleeping Bear dunes or go up to the Mackinac Bridge.Ó

Several championship golf courses are also within easy driving distance of the campground, and boating is readily available at popular places like nearby Torch Lake.

Similar to other business owners along the US- 131 work zone, the Legue's indicate that the volume of traffic is significantly lower during this vacation season than past years. That has been a cause for concern, Linda said.

"People driving on US-131 coming or going to other places in northern Michigan would frequently stop by on Sundays on their way home and check us out as a place to stay next time. That doesn't happen when they're taking a different route.Ó

Weary travelers don't always pay attention to the signs that are situated on both ends of the work zone listing the various businesses that are still accessible to through traffic.

"The signs are there, but not everyone reads them or understands that they can still get to the businesses,Ó Linda said, adding that the construction crews have done a good job of working with business owners and travelers along the route. "Traffic moves along pretty well - it doesn't take too long to drive through - and the crews are really friendly.Ó

Since Rapid River Campground and Cabins is open year round, travelers who are planning trips this fall or plan to snowmobile this winter can look forward to smooth sailing on US-131 when work is completed later this year.

"The road certainly needed work, and it seems like construction is moving along very quickly,Ó Linda said. "It will be a good thing for all of us in the future.Ó

For detailed information on campsite and cabin rental rates, call 231-258-2042, or visit online at www.rapidrivercampgound.com

The $8.5 million US-131 construction project is slated for completion in early November. Phase one, from the intersection of US-131 and County Road 615 in Kalkaska to Twin Lake Road, is scheduled for completion in July. Following that, work begins on phase two, from Twin Lake Road north to Elder Road in Antrim County near Mancelona. Other businesses and service providers in the effected area are the focus of upcoming stories in the Leader & Kalkaskian US-131 construction series.