Restoration of Historic
Canal Gates Underway
at
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
UXBRIDGE
– Three historic water-control structures at the
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge are being
restored through a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of
Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the John H. Chafee Blackstone
River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, with funding
assistance from the Office of Public Private Partnerships in the
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The gates, which
have not been operated for 20 years, will be made functional so they can
once again control the flow of water through the canal. This will result
in better water circulation, a greater ability to respond to high-water
events, and opportunities to educate the public about the operation of
the Blackstone Canal as a historic transportation route and, later, as a
source of waterpower for nearby mills.
“The restoration of the canal gates is an
important part of DCR’s ongoing commitment to the enhancement of the
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park,” said
Priscilla Geigis, Acting Commissioner of DCR. “This project complements
the park’s visitor center, exhibits, and interpretive programs, and
speaks to the strong partnership between the DCR and the Blackstone
Heritage Corridor.”
The project is being funded with $238,000
from the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage
Corridor Commission, which was matched with $238,000 from EOEEA’s
Office of Public Private Partnerships, and $91,000 from DCR, for a total
of $567,000.
“It’s
always an exciting opportunity to provide matching funds for projects
that restore DCR’s cultural and natural resources,” said Betsy Shure
Gross, director of the Office of Public Private Partnerships.
“The Blackstone River and
Canal Heritage State Park tells important aspects of the Blackstone
Valley story,” said Thomas E. Ross, Acting Executive Director of the
Blackstone River Valley
National Heritage Corridor. “The
Blackstone Canal had an enormous impact on the Valley’s
landscape, helping to advance the Industrial Revolution throughout the
region. The restoration of the gates will deepen visitors’ understanding
of the canal.”
The Blackstone Canal was
built between 1824 and 1828, linking the city of Worcester with
Providence, R.I. It operated into the 1840s, when railroads began to
offer a faster and less expensive means of transportation. Segments of
the canal trench, tow path, locks, and other related resources survive
in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Blackstone River and Canal
Heritage State Park contains one of the best-preserved segments of the
Blackstone Canal and tow path, and is a popular destination for
visitors.
According to
Park Supervisor Francis Deary,
“Visitors to the park this spring and summer will be able to see this
exciting work move forward. The majority of the tow path will remain
open for the duration of the project and, when the project is complete,
visitors will be able to enjoy the newly restored gates.”
Restoration of the water control
structures involves lowering the water level in the canal so the gates
can be disassembled and their metal components repaired and/or recast
off-site. Deteriorated concrete will be patched, masonry will be
repaired, and all the timber components will be replaced. Great care is
being taken to ensure that the restored gates will be both functional
and historically accurate, and to protect endangered species within the
project area. The project is expected to be completed this summer.
The work is based on a conditions
analysis by Fuss & O’Neill of West Springfield, who also
prepared the construction documents. The $567,000 construction contract
has been awarded to New England Infrastructure of Upton.
For more information about the
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, visit
mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm
For information about the John H. Chafee
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, visit
nps.gov/blac.
