Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Delaware & Raritain Canal Towpath flooded just about everywhere

Oh no! Not again!

Record setting flooding of the Raritan and Millstone Rivers in NJ has undoubtedly left 20 miles of the D&R Canal impassible from Landing Lane in New Brunswick to Rt 27 in Kingston. Be prepared to use  on-road alternatives until further notice, even after the flooding recedes, as damage to the unpaved trail is likely to be extensive.  You can check out the East Coast Greenway Alliance Facebook page for updates.

Also, the canal towpath along the feeder canal that runs along the Delaware River from Trenton to Millford is also likely underwater in places.  Luckily, it seems that the flooding on the Delaware was not as bad as forecast by the USGS.

5 comments:

Holly said...

Does anyone know if the D&R towpath is flooded between:
1. Lambertville and Washington's Crossing
And
2. Stockton and Frenchtown?

Any info appreciated.
Thanks!

Andrew J. Besold said...

I don't know Holly and I couldn't find any definitive info myself. However it looks like the flooding on the Delaware wasn't as bad as it has been in the recent past so it is possible that things are okay or will be by the weekend.

WWBPA said...

Some information on the state park website (http://www.dandrcanal.com/park_index.html)



HURRICANE IRENE AFTERMATH: As anticipated, Hurricane Irene caused extensive damage to the canal park. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BULLS ISLAND CAMPGROUND WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON. In addition, the flood waters caused a breach in the canal wall south of Firemans Eddy in Hopewell Township and near the Port Mercer Canal House in Lawrence Township. The pedestrian bridge at Demott Lane (off Easton Avenue in Franklin Township) has broken loose and has floated about 100 feet downstream. Numerous trees are down and mud and debris litter the path in many locations along the length of the park. We ask the public's patience as the damage is assessed by both Park and Water Supply Authority staff. We would also ask that the public refrain from accessing path at this time. To anyone that does attempt a visit, please use common sense and safety. While the rain and wind has stopped, trees can still fall due to the oversaturated ground. Please report downed trees, damage or concerns to either of our park offices.

Also, from NJ.com on Monday:
A section of Route 29 in Hopewell Township has been undermined and could be closed for weeks after a breach opened between the D&R Canal and the Delaware River, police said today.

The breach occured at about 6:15 a.m. Sunday at a spot where construction had been underway on a canal spillway into the Delaware.

"When it went, it eroded underneath Route 29 to the point the guard rail is hanging in mid-air,” Meyer said.

Route 29 is closed at Church Road and impassable north of the Mercer County jail. About half of the earth underneath the southbound lane of the highway is gone, Chief George Meyer said.

Anonymous said...

The towpath has been breached in the first section you mention. It actually took out the southbound lane of Rt, 29, too.
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/08/d_r_canal_flows_wrong_way_rout.html
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/09/route_29_in_hopewell_is_set_to.html

Anonymous said...

Also, notes on other towpath damage has been posted:
http://www.dandrcanal.com/park_index.html
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/drcanal.html