Lakes Road Between Monroe and Greenwood Lake to Close for Major Construction

By Y.M. Lowy

Drivers who use Lakes Road to travel between Monroe and Greenwood Lake should prepare for a lengthy closure, as Orange County plans to replace a nearly 100-year-old water passage beneath the road near Walton Lake.

The project is expected to take about five months and will require closing a section of Lakes Road between Lake Avenue and Cromwell Hill Road. A marked detour will be provided for drivers traveling through the area during construction.

The work is needed because the old stone-and-steel structure has begun showing signs of serious deterioration. Engineers inspecting the passage found water seeping into its walls, sections of the stone ceiling coming apart, and steel beams that have rusted over the years.

The passage allows excess water from Walton Lake to flow beneath the road when the lake’s water level rises. Under normal conditions, the passage remains dry, but it plays an important role in preventing excess water from building up in the lake.

To address the problems, the Orange County Department of Public Works plans to completely remove the aging structure and replace it with a new, modern water passage designed to serve the area safely for years to come. The project will also include improvements to the safety barriers along the nearby roadway.