Public Access Restrictions Now in Place for Barton Dam Embankment Construction Work
Construction is underway for the City of Ann Arbor Barton Dam embankment remediation 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
Also see the map noting access restrictions (PDF). 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.
This work at Barton Dam is anticipated to be completed by June 2027 and will include stabilizing a berm on the downstream slope of the right embankment to address seepage and stability concerns. These planned improvements are required to maintain Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) compliance. This project is included in the city's Capital Improvements Plan and will receive funding in the amount 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.
Updates, as available, will be posted on the Barton Dam embankment remediation project webpage; City of Ann Arbor Facebook page; and/or NextDoor (for city residents).
The city thanks all for their patience during this construction project.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Wondrash, Communications Director, lwondrash@a2gov.org