WASHINGTON ROAD CANAL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY
APRIL 24, 2024
Due to on-going construction activities by the NJDOT at the Washington Road Bridge Replacement Project, the following-hard closure (i.e., no re-route available) will be in-place starting MONDAY, APRIL 29 extending through FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024.
The D&R Canal Multi-Use Trail will be closed between the Alexander Road and Lower Harrison Street access points in Princeton NJ.
We would like to ask that the public avoid this section of the towpath during this time. For more information, please call the D&R Canal State Park office at (609) 924-5705 or the Bulls Island office at (609) 397-2949.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is initiating the replacement of the Washington Road Bridge over the D&R Canal in Princeton, New Jersey. This project will address structural concerns with the original bridge via construction of a replacement structure.
PROJECT START DATE – JULY 28, 2023
TOWPATH REROUTE:
Canal Closure/Reroute:
However, floating docks will be installed to the north and south of the bridge directly adjacent to the pedestrian towpath which can be utilized as a portage (i.e., take-in/take-out points). Canal users will need to utilize these take-out points, walk along the above-referenced towpath reroute, and utilize the applicable put-in location.
This is a necessary bridge repair/replacement. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience to our park visitors and thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the duration of the project.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
SOUTHBOUND: The towpath will be closed starting at the Lower Harrison Street Parking Lot/access point.
NORTHBOUND: The towpath will be closed starting at the Alexander Road Parking Lot/access point.
BE ADVISED:
ESTIMATED DURATION – 4 MONTHS.
Due to the construction activities, the towpath in the immediate vicinity of the Washington Road Bridge will be closed; however, a reroute of the pedestrian towpath will be available for the full duration of construction. From the tow path, pedestrians will be guided northwest along the sidewalk of Washington Road (approx. 185 ft.), crossover through a pathway, and head southwest to the desired towpath entrance.
Due to the consistent presence of overhead hazards, narrow canal path below the existing bridge, and demolition of the existing bridge, waterway access to the canal in the vicinity of the bridge will be closed for the duration of the project.
REHABILITATION OF THE SIX MILE RUN CULVERT TO RESUME IN JULY
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
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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 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..
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.
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.
JANUARY FLOODING IMPACTS THE PARK
January 30, 2024
CLOSURE UPDATES:
The D&R Canal towpath is currently closed in Franklin Township between Route 27 at Kingston to Route 518 in Rocky Hill due to significant path erosion and washouts.
The New Jersey State Park Service and New Jersey Water Supply Authority are currently evaluating this section of the path and working towards a repair. An alternate path along the berm side (opposite the towpath) has been cleared and is available for use between Routes 27 and 518. We ask that the public avoid the towpath in this area and instead use the opposite side path during this time.
January 10, 2024
BE ADVISED:
Due to heavy rain, wind and snow melt from the most recent storm, the Millstone and Raritan Rivers rose to flood stage. Both rivers crested late Wednesday, January 10th and water levels slowly receded over the following few days (barring any further rain).
Portions of the towpath from the Millstone Aqueduct in Plainsboro Township to Landing Lane in Franklin Township/New Brunswick were inundated with water. Locations in Princeton Township were also effected. Due to these flood impacts, expect that areas of the D&R Canal State Park towpath may be impassable and/or hazardous. Park users may encounter washed-out areas, debris and/or uneven, muddy surface conditions. We recommend avoidance of these areas.
Please be aware that our maintenance crews will be assessing these impacts in coming week as the flood waters recede. We ask that the public to exercise caution and avoid impacted areas of the the towpath during this time. As always, we appreciate your cooperation, patience and good judgement!
To report specific areas of concern, downed trees or path obstructions, please call the Park Office at 609-924-5705 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
