HARRISBURG, PA — Bureau of State Parks Director, John Hallas, recently announced the advent of major construction projects to revive and restore the Delaware Canal State Park. This massive venture is spread across various locations, including New Hope, Solebury Township, and Washington Crossing in Bucks County.
At the heart of these robust endeavors is a resounding investment exceeding $9 million, demonstrating the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) efforts toward canal infrastructure and repair. These projects encompass bridge replacements, construction undertakings, and much-needed repairs stemming from the recent heavy rainfall in July 2023.
As Hallas explains, these projects will tackle pressing safety and flood issues affecting the southern end of the Delaware Canal State Park. Upon its completion, water will find its path restored in the canal. Meanwhile, the canal in the designated area is being dewatered to make room for these critical construction efforts.
The stretch of canal from New Hope through Washington Crossing is also set to be dewatered to facilitate the impending construction. This has significant implications for Pennsylvania’s angling community, as the area, labelled as Delaware Canal Section 03 by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), will not be stocked with trout this year due to inadequate water levels.
In response to the situation, DCNR is undertaking efforts to reintroduce water to points along the canal, south of Washington Crossing. This endeavor will substantially depend on inflow from several smaller creeks and streams in the area, augmented by rainwater and storm runoff. However, the success of this effort remains uncertain.
The PFBC plans to monitor conditions within the lower section of the canal, namely Delaware Canal Section 05, to ascertain if trout stocking is feasible. Anglers are advised to refer to the PFBC’s online trout stocking schedule for timely updates on the status of stockings in this area, especially during the trout season commencing on April 6.
The array of projects already underway include the installation of a towpath bypass over Delaware Canal Inlet in New Hope, emergency masonry repairs, and full bridge replacements in Washington Crossing.
These refurbishments, repairs, and replacements represent an unprecedented investment in the Delaware Canal State Park. However, the completion dates for individual projects remain varied. Consequently, impacts to the water within the canal are anticipated to persist throughout the upcoming spring stocking and fishing season.
This series of events signals a critical juncture for the Delaware Canal State Park. The construction projects, combined with the hefty investment in canal infrastructure, not only address pressing safety concerns but also exemplify the state’s commitment to preserving natural spaces. As these efforts take shape, the residents of Pennsylvania can look forward to a revitalized park, and possibly, a new era of angling in the Delaware Canal.
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