Community Corner
Shaker Heights Ongoing Dam Work: Horseshoe Lake
"Updated Spring 2020: The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which has committed $9 million to this project"
Ongoing Dam Work: Horseshoe Lake
Updated Spring 2020: The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which has committed $9 million to this project, is now working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to finalize the design for the Horseshoe Lake dam/spillway and develop a timeline for completion.
Updated August 22: From August 26-30, a contractor for NEORSD will be conducting tests on the dam at Horseshoe Lake. At times during the week, the walkway on top of the dam will be closed, so the contractor can complete the work. Signs will be posted during these closures.
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Posted June 27: Recent heavy rains have caused further stress to the dam at Horseshoe Lake. As a result, ODNR has additional concerns about the structural integrity of the dam.
ODNR has directed the City to lower the water level further. It will be almost completely drained so that investigation and modification of the dam can take place.
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As the water drains, you will notice that mud flats develop along the edges of the lake. Due to the nearly complete draining of the lake, the mud flats will be extensive.
Do not walk on or play near the mud flats. They are very dangerous and you will sink into the mud, which could require a rescue operation.
Public Works is placing additional warning signs and reinforcing fencing around the lake.
Further investigation and modification of the dam will require the sidewalk over the spillway to be closed to pedestrian traffic until further notice. This means you will be unable to complete a loop around the lake using the path.
NEORSD is currently designing a long term solution to the structural deficiencies of the Horseshoe Lake Dam. Until the construction project is completed, the lake will remain almost completely drained. We do not yet have a date for completion from NEORSD, but expect that the work will take at least two years.
If you have questions, please call Public Works at 216-491-1490.
This press release was produced by the City of Shaker Heights. The views expressed here are the author’s own.