This work at Barton Dam is anticipated to take place between March 2025 and June 2027 and will include stabilizing a berm on the downstream slope of the right embankment to address seepage and stability concerns.

This project is included in the city's Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and will receive funding of $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (Resolution Enactment #R-24-280).

Additional work will include improving site access and other dam maintenance as required by FERC.

The level of water will not be lowered for this project.

• Access restrictions: North of the pedestrian bridge on the west side the railroad crossing, the right embankment including the canoe portage on Barton Pond, the spillway and the left embankment.

• Equipment and construction traffic will cross the Border-to-Border Trail (B2B) occasionally, but the trail will not be shut down.

• Permitted access and alternatives: pedestrian bridge over the Huron River, the city canoe launches downstream of the pedestrian bridge, Barton Nature Area parking lot

• Noise potential from equipment (situated between railroad tracks and dam). Dewatering equipment must run 24/7 during key excavation work

Construction is underway for the project. The construction site is adjacent to Barton Pond, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area and trails to and along the Huron River.

As a result, public access within these areas is now restricted, including:

• The walking path beneath the railroad bridge at Barton Nature Area
• North of the pedestrian bridge on the west side the railroad crossing
• The right (west) embankment including the canoe portage on Barton Pond
• The spillway
• The left (east) embankment
• No public on-site access to Barton Pond

Visitors to this area are asked to comply with the posted safety restrictions, barricades and signage on site and to use caution in areas that remain open, such as the parking lot, pathway and other areas west of the Huron River, as some of these open areas will be shared by construction operations and construction traffic. The city is also taking this opportunity to issue a reminder that crossing railroad tracks beyond designated, posted access points is extremely hazardous and is against the law.

The pedestrian bridge over the Huron River and the city canoe launch downstream of the pedestrian bridge will be accessible.

A reminder, there is also potential for noise from equipment situated between the railroad tracks and the dam, as dewatering equipment must remain running 24 hours, seven days per week during key excavation work.