A spillway project along a portion of the D & L Trail will resume construction within the next week.

Ryan Saunders, chairman, Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission, made the announcement on Wednesday.

“The LCRC is proud to report that after three months of research deliberating, our spillway project will resume construction within the next week,” Saunders said. “As all of you are aware, mid-March a discovery was made by our contractor on-site while beginning demolition and excavation to the first spillway that if he were to continue could have potentially been disastrous for our entire community.

“After contacting the Lehighton Water Authority to inspect the work site an ‘All Stop’ order was issued. At that time the Lehighton Water Authority had to meet and discuss what steps will need to be taken to protect the potentially endangered water main located beneath the D & L trail.

“It has taken some time, but after many discussions behind the scenes between the Lehighton Water Authority, Rutledge Excavating Inc., and The Lehigh Canal Recreation Committee we were finally able to put together the proper plan, funding, and materials needed to ensure the proper protection to the water main and safety to all trail goers is provided.

He added, “The Lehigh Canal Recreation Committee cannot commend the Lehighton Water Authority and Rutledge Excavating Inc, enough for their tireless dedication and endless determination to come up with a solution to our problem and see a path forward to reopening our trail for all of our community. It is only through their commitment to the betterment of our community that make this project possible.

Saunders added that the spillway construction will resume in the next week with the contractor re mobilizing equipment and delivering construction materials to the worksite.

“The LCRC is asking all trail goers to avoid using the trail and honor the barricades and closure signage,” he said. “They are there to ensure your own safety and provide a safe work environment for our contractor and their staff. We are simply asking for a few more weeks and as a result, a lifetime of safe travel through our beautiful D & L trail.”

He stressed the efforts of the Lehighton Water Authority and Rutledge Excavating Inc. for getting the project back on track.

“The LCRC would like to thank our community for their patience and understanding as we work through a very difficult and frustrating situation,” Saunders said.

Several weeks ago the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission issued a statement in reference to the ongoing struggles of the construction project and prolonged closure of the D & L Trail.

The entire length of the D & L Trail from the Jim Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge to the trailhead pavilion in Weissport has been closed since February.

. The Lehigh Canal and Recreation Committee will post updates on its Facebook page.

Anyone with questions may contact the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission at LehighCanalPark@gmail.com.