Lake Hefner Dam road and trail to close for repairs

(November 21, 2007) - The Lake Hefner Dam road and trail between Britton Road and Old Lakeshore Drive will close for approximately six months beginning in December or early 2008 for repairs.  This road is primarily used for recreational purposes, and construction will not cause traffic detours outside the lake property.

The erosion along the bank and under the road occurred over a number of years, but the damage and leaning guardrails worsened with the excessive rain last summer.  This shift in soil also caused the dam face to begin sloughing off.

The project consists of these repairs:

• Additional riprap, dropping large rocks about every 50 feet along the lake banks to stop erosion on the lakeside of the dam
• Geo Web soil-stabilization material, re-vegetation and drainage system on the dam face, preventing future soil erosion and sloughing
• New 42-inch high cable guardrail across the dam, meeting current safety standards
• Repaving of the road across the dam

The dam is in no danger, and these maintenance repairs will ensure its integrity and prevent further deterioration.

“We realize the road closing will inconvenience the citizens who enjoy walking, biking or fishing on the north side of Lake Hefner,” said Marsha Slaughter, Utilities Department director.  “We looked for ways to avoid closing the trail during the project, but the road is too narrow to safely allow construction and recreational activity.”