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#Post#: 162--------------------------------------------------
Erie Canal Embankment Project Phase 2 - NYCC Update
DIR By: Doug K
Date: November 28, 2018, 12:52 pm
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Hello Erie Canal Embankment Project Followers,
The ECNA had a great conversation today with the Western
Division Construction Manager from the NY Canal Corporation who
is now heading up the Phase 2 work for the Embankment Repair
Project. I will share what I learned today in this post, and
please bear in mind that all of this is somewhat “fluid” as much
of the project work is “weather dictated”.
We also had a chance to talk with work crews in Spencerport from
Tioga Construction & Ravi Engineering right at the Trimmer Road
worksite. These guys are dedicated to the SAFETY of our
communities but managed to take a little time today to speak
with the ECNA about their work
For Embankment Repair Phase 2 there are 40 different work sites
designated for Dam repairs between Middleport (Site 1) and
Spencerport (Site 40). Work has already begun in Spencerport,
starting from Trimmer Rd and running west. Stumps are being
pulled and the ground is being repaired and graded to accept a
top coating of 4” topsoil and hydro seed eventually next Spring.
I’ve included a couple pictures here:
[attachimg=1]
Work for each site will consist of stump pull, root grinding (to
1” size), and placement of special compacted earth in each of
the stump holes. The Embankment will then be cleaned and groomed
ready for more dirt and planting later. Each site will be
completed from stump to clean slope BEFORE the work crew moves
on to the next site.
This will hopefully be easier for all neighbors and look better
than the Phase 1 work did.
Of course MUCH of this work is “weather dependent” especially
back-filling which requires the Outboard Slope Embankment earth
to be above 32 degrees as well as that special compacted earth
which ALSO must be over 32 degrees to work into place in the
stump voids. And if it wasn’t hard enough, it’s not just
temperature limitations these Construction Crews have to deal
with, all surfaces to be repaired have to watch MOISTURE content
of both the replacement materials as well as the Outboard
Embankment Slope. This is handled with the use of Tarps and
Ground Heaters which will further slow the progress of the work.
The crew we spoke with from Tioga/Ravi was learning from their
FIRST major repair. Here’s a picture of what soil drying looks
like.
[attachimg=2]
What makes this Erie Canal Embankment Dam Repair project so
difficult?
If the Temperature & Moisture limitations weren’t enough,
getting the raw material needed for this Remediation Project is
equally challenging. All the repair materials REQUIRED are NOT
easily available in the Winter months here. Topsoil, Compacted
Dirt, Hydro-seeding, these are all done in “fair weather”
seasons in Upstate NY. Still the Tioga Construction Crew and
NYCC Management are confident they will get a large portion of
the project moving well on days when the weather allows work to
continue. Hopefully local suppliers will work with the
Construction Crews but if needed these Engineering Firms are
ready to bring in trainloads of materials as needed from
“warmer” states. They feel the need is URGENT on this project
and again are DEDICATED to the Safety Aspects of Embankment Dam
Repairs for the surrounding communities.
All parties agree that for Phase 2, similar to Phase 1, the
teams will start slow, learn the BEST methods and then add work
crews as needed to meet the timelines and challenges with winter
re-construction in this area. They want to hit one Work Zone and
leave it ready for FINAL top soil & grass seeding BEFORE moving
on to the next work area.. this will make it much more
aesthetically pleasing to home owners and the general public..
but it is still a work in progress
The SCIENCE behind the NYCC Erie Canal Embankment Repair
Projects.
Extensive efforts have been made by the NY Canal Corporation to
insure a smooth flow of work for Phase 2. Engineers have pulled
10 years of Rochester weather data to analyze the average number
of working days in the “off season” the meet the criteria of low
precipitation and over 32 degrees to understand the working
schedule and estimate resources.
The Project Team is also performing necessary SEQRA
Environmental Studies on the rest of the Phase 1 areas along the
ENTIRE route of the Erie Canal on the raised Embankment Dam
sections. This is to insure that NO ISSUES seen in the Towns
EAST of Rochester are repeated in the future. That SEQR study is
ongoing and reports will be filed as needed, when needed.
The NYCC has also started to use DRONE technology, combined with
Thermal Imaging cameras that allow them to examine and monitor
over 300 ACTIVE Erie Canal “areas of concern”. Some of these are
past leaks, some are newly found leaks after finally being able
to INSPECT the Embankments from Spencerport westward. For those
who continue to believe the Erie Canal is “safe” and there’s “no
need” for this Remediation Project. All I can say is EVERYONE
the ECNA has ever contacted regarding this project is of a
common voice.. the Erie Canal is in DESPERATE need of this
project and embankment repairs... it’s not a matter of IF the
Erie Canal will breach.. it’s WHEN. This project is trying
desperately to remedy that situation and insure ANY possibility
of a FLOOD is remedied by the PROPER & TIMELY REPAIR of ALL
Embankments.
How can ALL of Us help?
The Project Manager also discussed Trail Closures and possible
use of Shuttle Buses (with bike racks) to get Erie Canal
Trailway (ECT) Users “around the construction zones if needed.
Logistically it appears the NYCC has added many resources to the
project including people to mark Trail Closures and insure the
Work Crews are NOT being hassled by the public while trying to
do their jobs. Expect that major areas of the Erie Canal Trail
will be closed & pedestrian travel will be “rerouted” as needed
for Phase 2.
Give the Construction Crews and Project Team a BREAK and let
them do their JOB… They are serious about SAFETY and have little
patience for those who don’t. Just like roadway work in our area
says...“Give ‘em a Break” and try to steer clear of the ECT if
crews will be working in your area. These folks are trying to
HELP.... and they are DOING their JOBS.
[attachimg=3]
Future Project Team Update Meetings
The ECNA is hoping to get involved with bi-weekly Phase 2 & 2.5
Project Meetings. Part to pass along work schedule meetings and
part to share the “Voice of the ECNA” there as needed. Right now
the project IS running as planned WEST of Rochester, and Phase 2
work with Grass is due Spring of 2019. The ECNA also wants to
start discussing the next Phase, 2.5 for lack of a better name,
which will start talking with the MOST SEVERELY AFFECTED Erie
Canal Neighbors about replacement barrier plantings for those
with large properties or homeowners in close proximity to the
Embankments.
If we do get an invite we will be let others know and start to
solicit input from others in the ECNA for meeting talking
points, so stay tuned.
We are also asking Construction Crews, NYPA and New York Canal
Corporation to try and publish a “tentative” work schedule in
the near future. As stated to us, it ALL depends on the weather
and as we see now.. Winter has arrived here EARLY. In most
cases the Trail Closures and work zones are only projected 2
weeks out right now…and always will be “fluid” and subject to
Change without Notice. If we can get a copy of the schedule we
will post it here, it may be delayed as these teams works to
understand the Phase 2 work progression better and try to
estimate how that translates to the other 39 Work Zone Areas.
Each area is unique, each has varied stump sizes & quantity..
oh.. and it ALL depends on the WEATHER.
Thanks for reading. Hope this answers some of the questions you
have had now that Erie Canal Work is back underway.
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