Brainerd Lake Spillway

[David Cook]

Dear residents,
Due to the possible storm conditions that are predicted to arrive by
Monday, the idea to respond to the possible
flooding of Brainerd Lake was to remove the spillway (dam) to allow flood
waters to pass earlier
underneath the bridge. I asked the Cranbury Township engineer to take this
idea to both the Middlesex County
Engineering Dept. as well as the Department of Environmental Protection DEP.
After close investigation of the idea and taking into consideration the
current state of the Cranbury bridge, it was decided not to go ahead
with the demolition of the spillway. The reasons are as follows:

1. That due to the current weakness of the bridge and dam, the process of
demolition to the spillway and flood conditions may be too much for the
bridge to withstand.

2. The weights of the heavy equipment (track ho) to do the demolition as
well as the hard vibration from the Jack hammering could
worsen the already un optimal condition of the bridge. That condition
being the seepage of water through the bridge and its foundation. This
condition is already occurring. This is why the lake level has been as low
as it has been for the last few months.

3. It is believed that the effect of weight, vibration and flood stage
water could create a catastrophic failure of the road way.

4. The DEP would want to see a plan of action in advance of any demolition
project before we could begin the project.
as well as any necessary permitting.

I understand that this is a disappointing result and somewhat counter
intuitive since we plan on replacing the spillway in the near future.
However, the larger
issue remains that the possible roadway failure must be avoided due to the
aggregate effect of losing the bridge and dam as well as a main artery
for Cranbury residents and traffic.
Emergency services including Police,Fire Department and Rescue Squad are
under alert and taking pre-emptive action in advance of the storm.
Having experienced flooding myself, I suggest that residents take
precautions for their households as well.
Thank you
David Cook
Mayor

[iamawino]

To my neighbors near the lake,

If you need help moving anything do not hesitate to call me, my number is 609-636-6870 I have a strong back and would be happy to help.

Best regards,

Keith A. Shaw

[Dan Mulligan]