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Repair Work on Fallkill Dam to Begin this Month

Published: 6/20/2023

For More Information Contact:

Engineering Division
(845) 486-2925

Poughkeepsie…The Dutchess County Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced a project to rehabilitate and repair the Fallkill Dam, located on Creek Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie, is set to begin this month. Preliminary work, including delivery of equipment and building materials and work along the Fallkill Lake shoreline near the dam, is anticipated to begin on or about June 22nd. This project is essential to the safety and structural integrity of the dam as well as preserving the lake and surrounding natural habitats and reducing the potential for flooding at downstream properties.

Project work will include repairing the dam’s outlet pipe, repairing and repointing the stone masonry, installing anchors in the dam’s spillway to stabilize it, constructing a new auxiliary spillway, and raising the earthen embankments near the dam to bring them level with the dam. Repairs to the dam are anticipated to be complete by the spring of 2024.

To facilitate repairs to the dam, the Fallkill Lake will be drained for the duration of the project. The lake will be drained beginning in July, depending on the weather. Once drained, the exposed lake sediments may have an odor like a tidal estuary, and fishing, boating, and other recreational activities will not be possible. The lake will be refilled as the dam project is completed by spring 2024. DPW is working closely with the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for all permitting and oversight of this process.

While traffic interruptions are expected to be minimal along Creek Road, motorists are advised to exercise extra caution near the construction site, obey the posted speed limits, traffic advisory signs, and directions from flaggers near the work zone to ensure the safety of workers and other motorists.

For more information, please contact the Dutchess County Department of Public Works’ Engineering Division at (845) 486-2925.