News Release

Old Mine Road Repairs and Partial Closure to Begin September 9

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News Release Date: August 30, 2019
Contact: Kathleen Sandt, Public Affairs Specialist, [phone]

A one-mile section of Old Mine Road on the New Jersey side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is about to get some extensive and much-needed repairs. Preliminary work has begun on a section of Old Mine Road between Millbrook Village and Flatbrookville (mile-marker 13 to 14). Beginning September 9 the road will be closed during the week and will be re-opened each Friday evening by 7 pm. The road will be open on weekends and work is expected to be completed by mid-November. The weekday road closure will allow workers to complete the project in less time and with fewer hazards for both the workers and travelers.

The $3.1 million project is funded through the Federal Lands Transportation Program.  The project will completely rehabilitate the roadway from the sub-base up to the driving surface and improve stormwater management and drainage systems such as ditches, pipes, and culverts. According to Richard McKenna, park engineer, “This comprehensive project will increase the roadway’s longevity by correcting long-standing problems rather than simply patching potholes or adding another layer of asphalt. When completed, the improved design will also protect natural resources within the project area, including several wetlands and the Big Flatbrook Creek, one of New Jersey’s highest quality cold water fisheries.” 

“Old Mine Road is one of the park’s premier cultural resources and this rehabilitation project will help us maintain it in good condition for years to come,” said Superintendent Sula Jacobs. “It serves as the primary access to the New Jersey side of the park for visitors, residents, and business owners and many people visit the park just to take a drive on Old Mine Road and enjoy the scenery and historic sites along the way.” Old Mine Road is one of the oldest roads in continuous use in the country and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Blue Mountain Lakes Road, Blue Mountain Lakes, Crater Lake, and Rivers Bend Group Campground will be closed weekdays while work is completed. Those sites will be open on Saturday’s and Sunday’s throughout the duration of the project. Emergency vehicles will be granted passage as needed.

For updates on the project and road closure visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/dewa; follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS; or call Park Headquarters between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm weekdays at [phone].
 

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