Work is continuing on the Earthen Dam Rehabilitation project at Round Valley. Each dam is in a different stage of construction or pre-construction.

At the Dike (the embankment crossed by County Route 629), stone and sand placement is ongoing. A new underground drainage system is being installed, with large precast concrete manholes to provide access for monitoring after the project is complete.

Sand is placed in the Dike excavation as part of a new drainage system.

Pre-cast concrete manholes and collection pipes (not visible) are part of the new drainage system. This manhole will be underground at the conclusion of the project.

At the North Dam (the embankment that faces Lebanon Borough), site preparation work is complete. Construction will begin after work at the Dike reaches a pre-determined stage of completion.

At the South Dam (the embankment that faces Molasses Hill Rd), site preparation, including construction of sediment control basins, is ongoing.

A sediment control basin has been constructed at one of the South Dam staging areas. This basin, and other implemented measures, will help to reduce soil erosion during construction.

A sediment control basin is under construction at the bottom of the South Dam, near the intersection of County Route 629 and Molasses Hill Road.

State Park Trail Advisory: due to dam construction, the final 1.5 miles of the Cushetunk Trail (red) is closed until further notice. When hiking Cushetunk Trail, you must turn around or utilize the Campground Trail (yellow) at the point shown on the map below. Trail maps and additional information about the Park may be found at https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/round.html.

State Park visitors should take note of the closure of Route 629 between Old Mountain Road and the boat launch area – this road is closed entirely to the public, including hikers, joggers and bicyclists. State Park visitors should not walk along the reservoir’s edge as the lowered water level has exposed mud that is dangerous to walk on. Visitors should observe all posted signage and avoid construction areas. The water body of the reservoir will remain open during construction, as will the recreation area.