Starting in April, DCR will be completing repairs to Lithia Springs Reservoir Dam in the Mount Holyoke Range. Construction will be ongoing through mid-July. The dam is accessible via a gravel access road that extends north through the Mount Holyoke State Forest from Lithia Springs Road to the dam site. The construction will detour hiker traffic around Lithia Springs Reservoir to keep pedestrians out of the construction area. Hikers must obey all detour signage and be mindful of construction equipment entering and exiting the area and using the access road.
Dam repairs include:
- Demolition of the existing gatehouse structure and replacement with a new deck; replacement of existing intake gate valves and installation of a gate valve at the gatehouse outlet pipe;
- Installation of a new headwall in the location of the 12” outlet pipe;
- Improvements to the dense grade crest access road and turn-around; and
- Installation of a timber spillway crossing footbridge for hikers.
The project was issued a permit by the Conservation Commission (see Project Plans) to conduct these maintenance repairs and modifications to resolve deficiencies in the dam.
Information on parking and access is found here. Parking on Lithia Springs Rd is only allowed on the left hand side after the pavement ends. Do not block the gate. The Hiker Parking Lot on Route 116 is open.