Closing Date Set For Brick Reservoir And Its Walking Path

BRICK, NJ — Access to the popular walking path around the Brick Reservoir will be closed beginning Aug. 18, the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority has announced.

The Brick MUA had announced the access closure in June but had not given a specific date until recently. The water level at the reservoir has been lowered in advance of the work.

The closure is for improvements to the reservoir that will increase its useable capacity and reduce the effects of erosion, according to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, which is helping to finance the project.

The work includes reinforcing the upper slopes of the reservoir to prevent erosion when water levels drop.

"Currently, erosion limits the reservoir's usable storage to just the top 5 feet (between elevations 95 and 100 feet above sea level)," the site said.

The infrastructure work will stabilize an additional 15 feet of the slopes (down to elevation 80), increasing the reservoir's capacity" when the MUA can't draw water from the river.

"The work involves removing the existing sand layer over the liner and adding a protective layer of geotextile fabric, gravel, and stone," the infrastructure bank statement said. "By strengthening the reservoir's banks, this project enhances climate resilience, safeguards drinking water supply, and ensures the long-term reliability of this critical infrastructure."

"For safety reasons, public access to the reservoir and surrounding recreational areas will not be allowed during this period. We understand this may cause some inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete this vital work," officials said.

The closing is expected to last about 10 months, MUA officials said.

The Brick MUA approved a contract for $7.967 million for work at the reservoir in December. According to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank statement, $3,768,154 of the project is approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is funding $2,826,104 of that cost.

The NJ Resiliency Bank is providing $1,040,000, which covers the $942,000 difference between the FEMA funding and the FEMA-approved portion of the project, along with an additional 10 percent of the expenses, the NJIB said.

"Any additional costs beyond the FEMA-covered amount were financed through the NJ Water Bank," the NJIB said.

MUA officials said updates including the anticipated reopening will be posted on its website.