Salem Lake Dam Construction Information

Salem Creek Greenway to be Closed Temporarily
Use of the Salem Creek Greenway will be temporarily limited while the level of Salem Lake is lowered in preparation for replacing the Salem Lake Dam.

Hall Contracting Co. will lower the lake by 12.5 feet. The company is using a series of siphons that discharge directly into Salem Creek and increase the flow downstream of the existing dam. It began on March 16, 2011.

This release of water may raise the level of the creek and flood parts of the greenway below the dam and along Salem Creek. Citizens should not try to cross any portion of the greenway that is submerged or otherwise impeded by flowing water because of the inherent risks. Signs have been posted along portions of the greenway.

The contractor expects that it will take approximately two-three weeks to lower the lake level. During construction, more water may have to be siphoned out of the lake if there are periods of prolonged rainfall. Any further releases could also affect the greenway.

While the lake is being lowered and during construction, citizens should check the Parks and Recreation web site for updates on the status of the greenway.

Lowering the level of the lake will ensure that the lake has capacity to absorb storms without overflowing the construction site. Hall Contracting’s plan for lowering and maintaining the level of Salem Lake meets discharge standards set by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.