Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John J. Donahue announced today that the long awaited "emergency relief for federally owned roads" (ERFO) project will start on Aug. 18, 2014. The project was awarded to Rutledge Excavating from Tyler Hill, PA.
Emergency repair projects from Hurricane Irene were started over a year ago, but portions of the repairs required additional permits.The road project includes: improvements to Dingmans Falls Road and Zimmermann Road, stream bank stabilization at Toms Creek and Dingmans Creek, and debris removal from three McDade Trail bridges (Hornbecks, Mill Creek, and Brodhead).
During work on Dingmans Falls Road, the entire site (including the trail, visitor center, and road) will be closed for 30 days to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Visitor and worker safety requires that the site be closed to all traffic during this period. The project will involve hauling and placing large boulders for stream bank restoration. Work is expected to begin on September 3. Work on Zimmermann Road will also require an area closure, which will affect the road, trailhead, and a portion of Conashaugh Trail. Toms Creek Picnic Area will not require any closures during stream bank stabilization, but the immediate stream area will be closed to anglers. Hikers and bikers on McDade Trail may be temporarily detained at the three bridges listed above during debris removal.
Depending on favorable weather conditions, the project should be completed by mid- to late-November. Motorists should expect minor delays due to heavy equipment maneuvering in the area. The project is managed by the National Park Service with ERFO funding from the Federal HighwayAdministration.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
