Canal bank inspections start this week in Orleans, Niagara

Work includes survey, geophysical investigation and soil borings

Press Release, NYS Canal Corp.

The New York State Canal Corporation announced that routine inspections of water retaining embankments along the Erie Canal in Niagara and Orleans Counties will begin this week.

These inspections, which provide information on the embankment composition, will be completed by Canal Corporation contractors, and are necessary to ensure the embankments are functioning as designed. If deficiencies are discovered during the inspections, repairs will be appropriately scheduled.

The contractors will complete surveying, geophysical investigations, and soil borings at the following locations:

• Between Eagle Harbor Road and Gaines Basin Road (Town of Albion)
• Between Wruck Road and Peet Street (Middleport)
• From Halls Waste Weir Dam to Lake Avenue (City of Lockport)

This routine work is not associated with the Canal Corporation’s proposed Earthen Embankment Integrity Program.

While this routine inspection work is performed, residents may notice crew members, wearing hard hats and high-visibility vests, as well as their geophysical and drilling equipment called “rigs” in the vicinity of the locations noted above.

During the inspections, access to the Erie Canalway Trail may be disrupted for brief periods of time. Any trail detours will be posted on signs and shared with municipalities in advance.

It is anticipated that this inspection process will be completed by June 30.

The Canal Corporation appreciates the public’s patience while this work is completed.