REHABILITATION OF THE SIX MILE RUN CULVERT TO RESUME IN JULY

Repair work on the Landing Lane Spillway

APRIL 22, 2024

BE ADVISED: The New Jersey Water Supply Authority will be continuing the rehabilitation of the Six Mile Run Culvert that carries the Six Mile Run under Canal Road and the multi-use trail (towpath) in the vicinity of the Blackwells Mills Causeway in Franklin Township. This project will address past repairs on the culvert and prevent future deterioration of the structure.

The multi-use trail will be CLOSED to the public at the culvert at times (to be determined) during construction but will be re-open on the weekends whenever it can be done safely. Multi-use trail closures will be kept to the minimum duration and intervals to safely complete the project. The project started in August 2023 and construction is currently paused. WORK IS ANTICIPATED TO RESUME IN JULY 2024. The multi-use trail is currently open.

PROJECT UPDATE:
The completed work is as follows: repairing the culvert and repaving Canal Road, mortar repointing of the eastern headwall and the interior of the culvert stonework, clay liner repairs, and guiderail installation.

Remaining work is as follows: mortar repointing and retaining wall reconstruction on the outlet of the culvert, additional clay liner repairs, minor regrading of the Canal embankment, and restoration of the towpath and inlet area. Work is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2024.

Canal Road is currently open, however do be aware that short term road closures may be required as the project nears completion.

The project will require the closing of the multi-use trail while the work is taking place. Trail closures are expected throughout July and August of 2024. Signage will be posted regarding trail closures as needed.

The project is designed to provide a robust yet historically appropriate repair that serves the varying needs of the public. The goal of this undertaking is to preserve both the structural integrity and historic character of the culvert.

This project will be managed by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, a state agency that operates the D&R Canal as a public water supply source for central New Jersey.

Paul Harenberg of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority can be reached for any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


FEBRUARY 26, 2024

UPDATE: The rehabilitation of the Six Mile Run culvert is completed. The multi-use trail trail is fully open and accessible for public use.  Work will resume later this year.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation while this needed repair work was underway.

OCTOBER 14, 2023

TOWPATH CLOSURE UPDATE: Monday, October 16 - Friday, October 20

Work will be underway on the Six Mile Run Culvert the week of October 16th. Please be aware that this will require the closing of the mutli-use trail on both sides of the culvert between 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. There will be no thru traffic between these hours starting MONDAY, OCTOBER 16TH THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH. Signage alerting the public of the closure will be posted at Griggstown and Blackwells Mills. Please avoid this section of the park while construction is underway.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

TOWPATH CLOSURE UPDATE: Monday, September 18 - Friday, September 22

Work will be underway on the Six Mile Run Culvert the week of September 18th. Please be aware that this will require the closing of the mutli-use trail on both sides of the culvert between 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. There will be no thru traffic between these hours starting MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH THROUGH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND. Signage alerting the public of the closure will be posted at Griggstown and Blackwells Mills. Please avoid this section of the park while construction is underway.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority is doing a rehabilitation of the Six Mile Run Culvert that carries the Six Mile Run under Canal Road and the multi-use trail (towpath) in the vicinity of the Blackwells Mills Causeway in Franklin Township. This project will address past repairs on the culvert and prevent future deterioration of the structure. The multi-use trail will be CLOSED to the public at the culvert at times (to be determined) during construction but will be re-open on the weekends whenever it can be done safely. Multi-use trail closures will be kept to the minimum duration and intervals to safely complete the project. The project started on August 21, 2023 and will continue for APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS on, or around, FEBRUARY 2024.

The project will consist of closing Canal Road at the culvert, installing cofferdams in the Six Mile Run and the Canal, excavating the asphalt and fill over the culvert and filling with a lightweight flowable fill, re-paving the road, re-pointing and installing mortar stonework on the culvert headwalls and within the culvert, and other general repairs to the Canal and Canal embankment in this area.

There will be two scheduled durations for the closure of Canal Road. An initial closure starting on August 21, 2023, and lasting for approximately one week for installation of the cofferdams, and a second, longer duration to perform work on the culvert under the road. Additional short term road closures may be required as needed. A detailed work schedule of the project and closures will be posted when finalized. However, do bear in mind that the towpath closure schedule may change due to contractor progress and/or conditions.

The project will require the closing of the multi-use trail on both sides of the culvert with no thru traffic for durations while the work is taking place. Signage will be posted at the Blackwells Mills Causeway trail entrance, Six Mile Run Reservoir Site Parking lot, and the Griggstown Causeway entrance. The trail will be reopened upon project completion.

The project is designed to provide a robust yet historically appropriate repair that serves the varying needs of the public. The goal of this undertaking is to preserve both the structural integrity and historic character of the culvert.

This project will be managed by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, a state agency that operates the D&R Canal as a public water supply source for central New Jersey.

We thank you for your patience as this work progresses.

Paul Harenberg of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority can be reached for any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..