Lower Shaker Lake Dam Construction Starts

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Construction on the lower Shaker Lakes dam began this month. Work in the area should last approximately one year, according to the cities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.

Work in the Shaker Lakes area is composed of two primary projects: rehabilitation of the lower Shaker Lakes dam, shared by Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights; and renovation of the dam at Green Lake, solely the possession of Shaker Heights. The upgrades will cost more than $4 million.

Trees in the area of the lower dam are being removed and must be cleared by March 31. The cities hope the early removal of the trees will protect bats that use the forest for roosting. Residents will notice work on the clearing of trees throughout this month.

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Cleveland Heights said the bank of the lake will be integral to the dam, which means crews will excavate and then fortify the bank with large boulders, to prevent erosion. Water levels in the lake will be lowered during construction.

"Actual construction will begin later this summer when the entire area known as Brook Road will be closed off to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic for the duration of the work. Work is expected to last for 12 months," Cleveland Heights officials said in the city's newsletter.

City officials said information on safety practices around the lake will be released in coming weeks.

The walkway along Horseshoe Lake dam and the spillway will be closed throughout the project. After the construction is finished, the walkway will be re-opened.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is overseeing the construction and has already invested some resources into the Doan Brook area via its Project Clean Lake. The $142.3 million Doan Valley Tunnel project, which is set to be finished in 2021, will help control overflows at 11 locations along Doan Brook, from Shaker Heights to Lake Erie, according to the NEORSD website.

The dams were originally built by the Shaker community at Doan Brook in the 1800s. The structures provided power for mills.