The entire length of the D&L Trail from the Jim Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge to the trailhead pavilion in Weissport has been closed.

The Lehigh Canal Park of Carbon Co posted on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon “Unfortunately it has become necessary for the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission to close the entire length of the D&L Trail from the Jim Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge to the trailhead pavilion in Weissport.”

“Ongoing rebuilding of the canal overflows just north of Weissport has construction vehicles and crews on the sites daily, and has made the trail impassable in places. It had been hoped that the two-mile section from Jim Thorpe to the construction site could be kept open, but due to people ignoring the signs and warnings and interfering with the project, it was decided to close the entire trail.”

It was previously announced at the end of January that a portion of the D&L Trail would be closed as of Feb. 5 until spring while two canal overflows were reconstructed.

It was said at that time that the trail would be closed at mile markers 102.42 and to 102.93 because that section is under construction and is closed for public safety.

The section of D&L Trail follows the Lehigh Canal towpath from the trailhead in Weissport north to the Weigh Lock across the river from downtown Jim Thorpe.

Trail users are asked to respect the construction crews repairing the trail, and should turn around and not attempt to pass.

The project will reconstruct the two dips in the D&L Trail for improved safety and accessibility.

Funding for the project came from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Department of Community and Economic Development.

Doug Makofka, a volunteer acting as a management consultant, said the two overflows that will be replaced are the overflows that have bridges.

“The new overflows will be larger, and will allow trail users to travel over them without the bridges that are currently used,” Makofka said. “These changes make the overflows safer for the public, and increase the potential water overflow from the canal to the Lehigh river during high rain periods.”

Makofka said this is Phase One of a project that will stabilize the canal for larger flood events.

He said Phase Two will include canal-bank stabilization and adding another overflow between the canal and the Lehigh River, and added that Phase Two will likely occur in February of 2025.

Makofka said the construction is expected to be completed by the spring.”

The Lehigh Canal and Recreation Committee will post updates on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lehigh.canal.park.of.carbon.co and at the park Trailhead in Weissport.

Anyone with questions may contact the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission at LehighCanalPark@gmail.com.