Pete Rosswaag of the Friends of the Delaware Canal recently posted this update of the repairs taking place along the Delaware and Lehigh Canal State Park. Photos are courtesy of Carole Mebus,  longtime member of the FODC.

Kleinhans (aka Fry’s Run) Aqueduct:  DCNR has reviewed the consultant’s final design submission, and the consultant is now preparing the final plans.  Possible delays might involve securing a highway occupancy permit and bog turtle habitat. DCNR hopes to have the project underway in 2018.

Sub-canal culvert near Canal Cup south of Easton:  The Park must coordinate with PennDOT to fix the Rt.611 and canal sinkholes simultaneously. Bi-State Construction is prepared to undertake the Park’s portion of the project.   Work commenced Monday, 4/23. It is anticipated that the repair will take 1-1/2 months to complete. The flow in the canal from the Lehigh River at Easton has been shut down in order not to make the problems worse.

The “12 Bridge Replacement Project” (actually bridges and culverts) is in design. Preliminary plans for the Canal Lane bridge in Upper Black Eddy, the Raubsville culvert north of Groundhog Lock, and Bridge 4 in Smithtown have been produced and are out for review.

Good news: A large sinkhole north of Mueller’s Store in Raubsville was repaired using 27 yards of flowable fill.  Eroding towpath banks were also repaired; fallen tree removal is underway with the help of Bi-State.

Not-so-good news: New sinkhole south of Mulligan’s bridge in Upper Black Eddy; new sinkhole south of Mountainside Inn.

Groundhog Lock: The wall between Rt. 611 and the canal south of the lock has a collapsing section.

Clean-Up Day: The Friends of the Delaware Canal (FODC) had another successful Clean-Up Day last Saturday. Thanks to all who helped and thanks to all who are members of this vital and much-needed organization.