Lyman Run dam nearing completion

Photo courtesy of Terry McCormick

A ribbon-cutting at the new dam at Lyman Run State Park, tentatively scheduled for this week, was postponed until the spring.

By then, the popular Lyman Lake will likely be restored as tiny Lyman Run is impounded to create a source of recreation for thousands.

The new dam features a modern "zig-zag" design that will increase water flow to maintain steady water levels in the lake. Dredging work continues in the lake bed. The lake will be refilled naturally by the creek, as well as rains and snow melt.

A bridge will eventually be built across the spillway to give anglers and other visitors access to the breast of the earthen dam and the far side of the lake.

On Wednesday, Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Mike DiBerardinis toured the construction site for a firsthand look.

Lyman Run

The previous dam had stood since the early 1950s, creating a 40-acre lake that was popular with anglers, boaters, swimmers and campers.

In mid-April 2000, the dam was breached after state inspectors determined the structure was unsafe. There was a time when a new Lyman Run dam was no sure thing. However, after political maneuvering, a local petition campaign and other lobbying, state funds were approved. In July 2003, construction bids were accepted for a new dam. Allan A. Myers Inc., based in Montgomery County, was awarded the contract. The halfcentury old dam was demolished and removed.

Its structural deficiencies included excessive amounts of rocks, roots, branches and other organic matter used as construction material. That explained the frequency of seeps and leakage that had been monitored almost since its construction;

The new dam had to meet the standards of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state agencies.

Engineering studies cost about $90,000. Price tag for demolition of old dam, removal, construction, landscaping, and related work is roughly $16.9 million.