Brainerd Lake Dam

[David Cook]

Hello Cranbury Residents,
As you know, earlier this week New Jersey received a significant amount of rain over a two day period. Beginning on Tuesday April 29th lasting through Wednesday April 30th, Cranbury received approximately 5 inches of rain. As a result of this rain all of us witnessed considerable flooding in the surrounding township.

You may have seen either in person or posted on social networks the Brainerd Lake bridge and dam in flood mode handling this volume of water. The dam did well considering that the project is not complete.

You may have noticed that the coffer dam (temporary dam) is currently higher than what the actual spillway will be when completed. In addition the spill way gate has not been installed yet which would normally be opened in advance of a storm. Despite these two issues the lake water did not breach the bridge roadway which is significant.
However one important modification has been completed. The spill way has been widened by over 60 feet which made a key difference in the water management of the most recent flooding. In short, the first experience with a 1 in 10 year flood (as described by N.J. State recognized storm measures) was good.

Work on the bridge and dam will begin again next week as the materials arrive on sight for installation. We are still currently on schedule for a late Summer completion of the project.

Thank you all again for your patience as this project continues.

Dave Cook
Township Committee