🏗️ Project Scope: What is Being Done?

According to official Town records, this restoration represents nearly a decade of planning and an investment of over $1 million. The project consists of three major components designed to extend the dam's life and improve water level management:

• Culvert Replacement: Replacing the culvert at Lakeside Oaks Drive, funded by FEMA.

• Erosion Protection: Installing a new rip-rap filter to protect the dam structure.

• Gate Box Repairs: Critical underwater repairs to ensure the dam's gate remains operable for years to come.

• Future Planning: Upon completion, the Town intends to update the professional drawdown plan to guide future dam operations.

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📅 Dam Restoration Timeline: Chronological Updates

The SLA tracks this project and raises important community questions with the Town. Below is the real-time record of progress, based on site visits, visual documentation, and communication from the Barrington Department of Public Works.

 

February 2026: Mobilization & Hard Start

• Feb 9 – Feb 23: Initial tree cutting in the designated work zones to clear the way for utility relocations.

• Feb 23: Dam work officially begins. Lakeside Oaks tree cutting is completed.

• Feb 25: High-powered pumping operations begin during a major blizzard. Three pumps are used to suck water from the lake, spillway, and gate area to allow construction access.

 

March 2026: Excavation & Advocacy

• Mar 1 – Mar 5: Draining operations continue. The SLA contacts Public Works with safety concerns regarding "false ice" air pockets caused by the pumping.

• Mar 6: DPW Director Mike Nadeau visits the site; identifies the water drawdown rate as "unacceptable" and coordinates with the contractor to monitor levels more closely.

• Mar 7: Major Milestone: The Lakeside Oaks causeway is officially closed and excavation begins. Utility poles and power lines are successfully relocated.

 

April 2026: Paving & Infrastructure Upgrades

• Apr 7: The new bridge/culvert is stoned and walkable. The Town announces the project will be extended to include new stop logs in the spillway for better long-term water management.

• Apr 9 – Apr 11: Crews begin prepping for the stop log rails. Wooden forms are built to pour the cement tracks that will hold the logs.

• Apr 12: "Insider" Tour: Matt (SLA) documents a rare look inside the dam structure and walks through the underside of the new bridge culvert. A massive 50lb beaver is spotted behind the dam.

• Apr 14 – Apr 15: Major Milestone: Paving of Lakeside Oaks is completed. The road is fully reopened to traffic all the way to Hall Road.

• Apr 16: Cement for the stop log rails is poured and allowed to cure overnight.

 

Current Status (As of April 23, 2026)

• Water Management: In response to abnormally high lake levels, the contractor has removed almost all sandbags to allow maximum flow over the spillway.

• Material Delay: The project is currently awaiting the delivery of the specific wood needed for the stop logs. A delivery update is expected from the vendor by Monday, April 27th.

• Shoreline Work: Brush has been cleared from the earthen portion of the dam. New rock edges and topsoil are being added to stabilize the area.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the lake being drained lower than usual?

  • The Town confirmed on March 6th that they are only pumping enough to maintain the current level required for construction, not removing additional water.

• When will the causeway reopen?

  • The current target date for the completion of the road work is April 10, 2026 (was originally 04/02/2026).

• What about the air pockets under the ice?

  • The SLA specifically raised this with Public Works. The Town is monitoring the draw-down rate to ensure it remains within acceptable limits to mitigate safety risks.

 

🔗 External Resources

• Town of Barrington Public Works Department

• [Official Swains Lake Dam Project Update (PDF)] (Town of Barrington)

 

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