Flat Rock Dam Betterment

March 2024 SRT Reopening Update:

The closed trail section between the Manayunk Towpath and Shawmont will officially reopen on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

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Overview

The Flat Rock Dam Betterment project will reconnect the Manayunk Canal with the Schuylkill River at Flat Rock Dam to improve local water quality.

The work includes the construction of new structures connecting the waterways, improvement of existing structures, and the stabilization and preservation of historic elements at the Feeder Gate House building. A new intake system will control the flow of water into the canal as needed.

Additional improvements at this site include:

• Green infrastructure managing stormwater at the site
• Improved security with perimeter fence
• Educational signage and graffiti removal
• Preservation and display of historic iron gearboxes through the Percent For Art program
• Improved access for maintenance and cleaning at the site

There are no local roadway closures anticipated. Some portions of the Schuylkill River Trail in this area may have limited access during construction. There are no anticipated impacts on parking.

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January 2024 SRT Closure Update:

Due to conditions at the site, work for the Flat Rock Dam Betterment project has been delayed. The concrete work that requires the trail closure has not been completed, and the trail closure will be extended through March 2024. The trail is now expected to reopen on March 30, 2024.

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Schuylkill River Trail Closure Annoucement:

Starting on Monday, September 11, 2023, the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) alongside the Flat Rock Dam between Leverington Ave. in Manayunk and Shawmont Station will be closed to all pedestrians and bikers.

Temporary suspension of trail use is necessary for pedestrian and biker safety as the work along the steep embankment is completed. This work requires concrete pouring that needs to occur during warmer weather, and cannot occur during the winter.

During this time, you will notice closure signs on both ends of the obstructed portion: one at the Shawmont Station at Shawmont Ave. and Nixon St., and one just below Leverington Ave. on the Manayunk Towpath. Walkers and bikers will be able to travel further on the SRT toward the worksite but will meet a dead end at the worksite and will be required to turn around.

See the mapped detour route here:

Read more about the closure on our recent blog post.