Parts of canal, trail remain closed for safety, storm cleanup
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The city of Augusta reminded of the public on Thursday to avoid the Augusta Canal towpath for their own safety.
Hurricane Helene brought down numerous trees along the trail and has left many tree limbs hanging precariously.
“For the safety of patrons to the towpath and to expedite the repair and cleanup process, it is critical to remain off the towpath,” the city said in a statement. “Unauthorized access to the towpath during this time not only places individuals at risk but also delays the work of crews and contractors tasked with making the area safe again.”
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In fact, the entire Augusta Canal between the water pump station and Savannah Rapids remains closed due to damage from Helene.
“We are not in the best of shape above the raw water pump station, but we are making progress every day,” said Chad Hendrix, assistant director for Augusta Utilities.
Sunup to sundown, six days a week is what crews are currently working to get the stretch of the Augusta Canal back open to the public.
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They’ve made progress but work is still in phase one.
“We are actively going in and removing this debris. We are taking trees out of the waterway. We are taking the trees that fell into the waterway, and we have a lot of trees on the riverside too,” said Hendrix.
The canal trail will look different once it’s back open.
The wind from Helene maxed out near 100 mph for a portion of the trail.
“When the hurricane hit, we got hit broadside from the east. Lost a lot of trees that were near or on the towpath into the waterway,” said Hendrix.
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A Jon boat is being used to tow debris and trees downstream away from the raw water pump station, keeping those intakes free of debris has been a top priority.
“The raw water pump station here sends about two-thirds of all the water that goes to the county. All of Fort Eisenhower, five hospitals, a very important asset to the city,” said Hendrix.
Once they’re done with phase one, phase two will begin with draining the canal and making necessary repairs.
The timeline for getting everything back open will likely continue into 2025.
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“Right now, this is a vast estimate, perhaps six months,” said Hendrix.
Hendrix thinks the canal itself will open sooner than the trail.
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