REHABILITATION OF THE SIX MILE RUN CULVERT TO RESUME IN JUNE/JULY
PROJECT UPDATE:
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
JUNE 11, 2024
BE ADVISED: 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, paused in January 2024, and is set to resume June 12, 2024, for approximately one week.
Starting on June 12, 2024, and lasting about 1 week, the multi-use trail will be closed during construction times, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, weekdays, at Six Mile Run Culvert. Signs will be posted at Blackwells Mills Causeway and Griggstown Causeway access points. The multi-use trail will be open outside of these times.
Remaining Project work will resume in July 2024.
PROJECT UPDATE:
Remaining work is as follows: mortar re-pointing 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. 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 from Mid June to end of 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.
We thank you for your patience as this work progresses.
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 NJWSA can be reached for any questions at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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:
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. 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 completed work is as follows: repairing the culvert and repaving Canal Road, mortar re-pointing of the eastern headwall and the interior of the culvert stonework, clay liner repairs, and guiderail installation.
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.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation while this needed repair work was underway.
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..
THE 2024 SUMMER SEASON AT D&R CANAL STATE PARK: THINGS TO KNOW
MAY 25, 2024:
The summer season is here at D&R Canal State Park. The following information will serve as reminders to help keep everyone safe and to ensure that the have an enjoyable experience.
THINGS TO DO
Picnicking and grilling is permitted in designated picnic areas only;
The canal towpath is an ideal place to walk, bike or run;
Canoes and kayaks are allowed along the entire length of the canal;
Keep it clean and green! Take your trash home with you – trash cans are not provided.
COMMERCIAL TUBING RENTALS
River tubing in the Delaware River is one of the most popular activities at D&R Canal State Park.
Big Bear Gear is the only tubing company licensed to operate in the state park.
For more information on rentals and pricing visit Big Bear Gear’s website: https://bigbeargearnj.com/pages/delaware-river-tubing.
BRING YOUR OWN RIVER TUBE
Members of the public are welcome to bring their own tubes, park their cars and tube on their own. The public are only permitted to launch tubes from the Riverview and Fairview parking lots only. Exit the river at the stairs located at the Point Pleasant parking lot. Reference the D&R Canal State Park map below for lot locations.
D&R Canal State Park Map
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
D&R Canal State Park Brochure
Check the current river height.
Know the river; Be prepared!
D&R CANAL STATE PARK TRAIL IS HONORED AS TRAIL OF THE MONTH
February 7, 2024
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park's multi-use trail was highlighted by the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy as their "Trail of the Month" for February 2024 and we couldn't be more honored by the recognition! Park staff was interviewed by
Monica Cardoza
along with frequent park users Gilbert Honigfeld, Barbara McKee and Steve Hagan as well as Circuit Trail project manager for the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Anya Saretzky.
The online piece extols the merits of the D&R from the serenity felt by paddlers, the historic legacy of the canal, the Circuit Trail connections, wildlife, adjacent nature trails and recreational opportunities for everyone. The recognition is a perfect way to kick-off 2024 and the D&R Canal State Park's 50th anniversary year. We thank the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy for highlighting the D&R Canal State Park! We couldn't agree more...our mulit-use trail is an amazing outdoor resource for the public!
Read the article and learn more about the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy and The Circuit Trails by clicking the links below:
New Jersey's Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail
Rails-To-Trails Conservancy.
The Circuit Trails.
CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORIZED TRAIL USE AT SIX MILE RUN
May 6, 2024
Please be advised, the State Park Service would like to clarify information regarding the existing/official trail network at the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site. Although several social/unofficial trails have popped up over the years, we would like to encourage park users to stay on marked/official trails as designated by the State Park Service and shown on the park map below.
As no authorized trail network has formally been established, approved, and/or is maintained in the area south of the Six Mile Run and west of the Creek Trail (Red Trail), we ask that park users avoid this area. Years of unauthorized trail use here has caused damage and erosion to the natural and historic resources at this location.
We ask our park users to set a good example for other visitors today and every day; stay on designated trails!
For more information, please call the D&R Canal State Park office at (609) 924-5705.
UNAUTHORIZED AREA NOTICE:
Six Mile Run Trails
MILLSTONE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY AUDIO TOUR LAUNCHES
January 23, 2024
The Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition, working with TravelStorysGPS, has produced an audio tour of the the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway. We are excited to announce the official launch of the informative tour which highlights 20 geotags locations along the Byway; each with its own narrative describing significant locations along the route. Those accessing this hour long guided driving tour through Central New Jersey’s Millstone River Valley, will hear about the rich history that developed around the Millstone River, the importance of the Valley during the American Revolutionary War, the 19th century D&R Canal and the recreational resources to be found here today.
Plan a visit to the Millstone Valley, download the audio tour, drive the narrated route and learn a bit about this historic Central New Jersey river valley. The newly launched tour can be accessed via the TravelStorysGPS website by clicking the link below.
Millstone Valley Scenic Byway TravelStorys Audio Tour: https://travelstorys.com/tours/millstone-valley-scenic-byway.
Learn About the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway: https://www.millstonevalley.org.
