Dredge Project Updates for the 2019 Season

Towpath Closures

Operations began in March 2018 and active dredging of the Canal and debris removal began in May 2019. Operations on the dewatering site, including trucking of the removed sediment, occur year-round. During periods of active dredging the portion of the Canal being dredged is closed to boaters. Occasional, temporary closures of the towpath may be necessary during the project. Signage will be posted at D&R Canal State Park entrances surrounding the closed areas to notify the public.

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Project Updates: May 1, 2019

  • Work in the Canal resumed in May, with removal of aquatic vegetation scheduled that began on May 1 and dredging started on May 6. The dredging season continued through October 31, 2019.

  • As of May 1, the Canal was closed to boaters between the Walking Bridge (near Little Valley Stables) and Griggstown Lock (“Reach 3” of the dredging project).

  • The next segment that was dredged in 2019 was Reach 5, which is between Griggstown Causeway and Blackwells Mills Causeway.

  • Dredged material continued to be transported via floating pipeline to the material dewatering area located outside of the Canal and Park areas. Once dry, the material will be transported by truck to the American Cyanamid Site in Bridgewater, NJ for beneficial reuse. All material that was dredged in 2018 was also delivered to the site.

  • Three dredging seasons are expected (2018, 2019, and 2020). Final processing and transportation of dredged sediment will occur in early 2021.

Project Update: July 18, 2019

  • Dredging of the Canal between Route 27 in Kingston and the Griggstown Causeway (“Reaches 1-4”) is now complete.
  • On or about July 17, two dredges will be starting work in “Reach 5,” which is located between Griggstown Causeway and Blackwells Mills Causeway. The dredges will be working in this area throughout the remainder of this years' in-water season, which concludes at the end of October.
  • Private boating is not permitted within the active dredging area.
  • For information about canoe and kayak rentals in the area of active dredging, please visit www.griggstowncanoe.com.

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Project Update: November 1, 2019

  • Dredging of the canal between Route 27 in Kingston and the Griggstown Causeway is complete.
  • The 2019 dredging season is now complete. This season produced 86,000 cubic yards of dredged material, which is now drying at the dewatering site.
  • Beginning in December, dewatered dredge material will be transported by truck to the American Cyanamid site in Bridgewater, NJ for beneficial reuse. Transport will continue through early 2020.
  • One additional dredging season in 2020 is planned. The areas that remain to be dredged are located between the Griggstown Causeway and Amwell Road.
  • Final processing and transportation of dredged sediment will occur through early 2021.

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