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BR549 from Little Flock, AR on 5/12/2017 10:29:56 AM:
Riding Katy Trail west to east and wanting to pick up MRT. What's the route like from Machens to Grafton, IL? Likely won't go far on MRT, mainly just wanting to take my son across the river and south toward Alton.

 
Mark from Lee's Summit on 5/12/2017 11:55:06 AM:
There are 3 different options and all three routes have been effected differently by the recent flooding:

1) Take Machens Road north to Hwy. 94 and then take that to US-67 where you can access the West Alton Trail. I don't like the heavier traffic along Hwy. 94 so I never take that route.

2) Taken Machens Road north across the railroad tracks (1/2 mile), Turn right onto Hwy. 94 and go 3/4 of a mile, Turn right onto Dwiggins Road for 3.25 miles, Then you have to continue straight onto Hwy. 94 for just about 900', Turn right onto Fettes Road for 3/4 of a mile, Turn left onto Saale Road and continue to 2 miles, Turn right onto Hwy. 94 and go for 2/3 of a mile, Turn left onto St. Charles Street and go straight for 1/2 mile, Turn left onto southbound US-67 and ride the wrong way on the outside shoulder for 1/2 mile, then finally turn left onto Machens Club Drive and hop onto the West Alton Trail in order to cross the Mississippi River bridge.

 
Mark from Lee's Summit on 5/12/2017 12:00:29 PM:
3) Circle back west for 1.3 miles along the Katy Trail and turn right onto Ell Road for 1.25 miles, Go straight across Hwy. 94 where the road continues about 1.5 miles as Payne Road/Lawrence Street/Common Field Street as it winds through the town of Portage Des Sioux, Once you weave through the town, continue straight onto that same road (called Portage Road now) for 4.65 miles, Turn right onto Grafton Ferry Road and ride 1.5 miles where the road dead-ends at the Grafton Ferry access point/dock. Taking this route and the ferry across the Mississippi River has always been the best route in my opinion.

 
BR549 from Little Flock,AR on 5/12/2017 12:48:26 PM:
Thanks Mark, will follow your preferred route. I've crossed on Dorena-Hickman ferry and by bridge in southeast Arkansas. Looking forward to crossing at Grafton.

 
PFCharles from Pflugerville on 5/13/2017 7:01:39 PM:
When I went looking for the Grafton Ferry, I found "closed due to flooding". Just sayin....

 
Jon from N Texas on 5/14/2017 9:48:23 AM:
Seems prudent to give the ferry operator a call about flooding and days/hours of operation. Here are some details from one website:

The Grafton Ferry is Currently Closed Due to Flooding. 4/30/17

Hours of Operation
CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING
Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: CLOSED
OPEN MEMORIAL DAY 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M.

www.thegraftonferry.com
www.visitalton.com/business/detail/405/grafton-ferry
www.calhounferrycompany.com