Demolition of the old McConnelsville Dam in Morgan County, Ohio, is nearing completion. The overall project will wrap up almost a year ahead of schedule, with final landscaping for the new dam set for spring 2026.

"The existing dam is being removed to reduce navigational hazards and no longer impede flows along the river," said James Hilovsky, team lead of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) division of engineering. "The dam would still be considered a regulated dam structure under Ohio laws and rules if left in place; however, portions of the cellular sheet pile and abutments will remain, with the cells adjacent to the canal converted to a fishing platform. Most of the sand and gravel with the sheet pile cells will be left on the riverbed.

The project's $26 million price tag covers construction of the replacement dam, removal of the existing structure and site restoration. Hilovsky considers the ongoing work an investment in the future.

"The Muskingum River System is steeped in history, and there's a strong connection between the communities and each of the locks and dams along the river. This project provides a modern approach to preserving this historic system and maintaining this connection from Zanesville to Marietta and beyond."

Hilovsky explained the new dam's function will be similar to the existing one, in terms of water level and flow rates, with several major improvements.

"The new structure is a concrete stair stepped structure designed to reduce downstream scour and erosion. This design is also intended to eliminate hydraulic rollers at the toe of the dam, which provides a significant public safety improvement in the event that a boat or person were to travel over the dam.

"We're also very excited to complete this project ahead of schedule," said Hilovsky. "We appreciate the efforts from The Ruhlin Company and Michael Baker to successfully navigate through such a complex and challenging project."

The Ruhlin Company serves as construction manager at risk and is self-performing the demolition scope of work.

"The Ruhlin Company has been a great partner, offering their experience and insight throughout the design process and leadership throughout construction," said Hilovsky. "They were able to navigate a challenging worksite, along with multiple bid packages and specialty subcontractors, completing the project ahead of schedule."

Michael Baker International is the engineer of record.

"Michael Baker managed a challenging design process and ensured that the project was constructed in compliance with the contract documents," said Hilovsky. "We also appreciate the partnership with the regulatory agencies, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio EPA, State Historic Preservation Office and the local communities that have been involved throughout this project."

Demolition began in summer 2025, after the new dam construction was completed. According to Ruhlin project executive Mike Garver, overseeing demo efforts has required a great deal of planning and coordination.

"Working in and around water always presents unique challenges, specifically ensuring crew safety, managing flow and protecting the environment. The structure itself was robust, so careful sequencing and specialized heavy equipment were key.

"We've completed the majority of work associated with the structure planned for removal. It's been a methodical process of concrete cap removal, followed by extraction of the existing steel sheet piling. Right now, we're focused on removing the final sheeting cells and prepping the site for final restoration."

Garver explained the task at hand involves more than demolition.

"It's about ensuring crew safety, managing water flow and efficiently executing the work. We also have to carefully dismantle structural components and restore the river channel."

"We're using heavy equipment that includes long-reach excavators, hydraulic breakers and material handlers. Materials include riprap and recycled concrete materials for causeway access and final stabilization."

Fortunately, the elements have not been a major issue for crews.

"Ohio weather always keeps us on our toes. The dry conditions experienced in the past two summers have been beneficial to the project schedule."

Garver stressed that when working near water, safety and environmental aspects are top priorities.

"It's non-negotiable. Every phase of demo work is planned to ensure crew safety, from equipment selection and operation to crew positioning and emergency protocols. We monitor the river conditions and closely track weather and river forecasts to ensure work can proceed as planned."

The project includes putting the causeway back in place.

"The causeway is essential for access to the portion of the dam being removed," said Garver. "It allows us to move equipment efficiently and effectively remove the concrete caps and existing steel sheet piling.

"Properly planned access is always an essential activity in construction. Without it, you lose efficiency and increase safety risks. We've engineered temporary access causeways to support heavy equipment and maintain safe operations."

Garver said removing the temporary bridge and the abutments involves dismantling structural components, hauling materials off-site and restoring the original riverbanks. Final sitework includes grading and erosion controls to ensure long-term stability on both sides of the river.

Regarding additional drainage features and roadway restoration, "New drainage features have been installed as part of the Malta road improvements," said Garver. "These have been included to manage runoff and prevent erosion. Restoring the roadway ensures safe access and ties the site back into the community's infrastructure."

The team also has worked diligently to minimize disruptions for nearby motorists.

"We've implemented a temporary signal and signage to keep traffic flowing safely on the Malta side of the river. Feedback has been positive, especially as people see the progress being made.

"The demolition, similar to all phases of the project, has drawn a lot of attention. People are fascinated by the scale of the work and the equipment involved. We've had folks stopping by just to watch through the entire project."

Garver pointed out that being so far ahead of schedule is a great accomplishment.

"It's a testament to the teamwork, coordination and dedication of everyone involved, from our crews on the ground to our partnering with ODNR, Michael Baker and the local community stakeholders.

"It's an honor to be part of a project that supports the greater Muskingum Parkway and will hopefully benefit the community for generations. This isn't just construction — it's preservation of Ohio Canal history and the legacy it's had on the surrounding communities."  CEG