The New York Power Authority (new owners of the Erie Canal Corporation) have risen to the occasion and started to repair the bridge/culvert running under Oxbow Rd. The road is actually the old towpath which runs alongside the old original canal, which can be clearly seen between the playing field and the path.
Here are some photos I took yesterday of the works progression.
The rusty old culvert pipes have been dug up, and replaced with rot proof plastic pipes.
I imagine there are many more culverts along the canal in this poor condition which need replacing. It’s good to see the NYPA jumped on this problem, and has the where-with-all to properly fund these projects. The Canal Corporation’s lack of funding over the years is why these problems exist.
What is concerning is, if steel pipes are commonly used in culverts across The State, then there are many areas where there is considerable danger from this deterioration. Water flowing rapidly through a holed pipe will cause the soil to be sucked out, creating voids for sinkholes, but also makes channels along the pipe where severe erosion can take place.
You can see the general state of these culverts as per previous inspection reports.
Today, Friday 4th May, the NYPA finished the repair and The Oxbow Trail is open for business!
If you approve of the work the NYPA is doing to keep us safe and improve the canal, please sign my petition
SIGN THE PETITION TO SUPPORT VEGETATION REMOVAL and REMEDIATION
The Oxbow Blog 
Is it possible and if so where is the access to this side of the canal to walk and explore?
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You can enter from either end of Oxbow Rd. Erie Crescent or Old Post Rd, or from Minerva Deland playing fields.
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