ROYALSTON—Closed for two days when the water levels at Tully Lake began to rise, Doane Hill Road has been reopened, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

According to information released by the USACE, the road has been opened, though the recreation area, boat ramp and canoe launches remain closed. The road was closed two days ago after heavy rains caused high water levels at Tully Lake.

Zack Koziol, project manager for Tully Lake and Birch Hill Dam, said the lake is at 20 feet and needs to be at 16 feet for the recreation area and boat launches to reopen. He hopes this can be done within the next two weeks. As the water level is lowered, the area will be assessed for any damage.

“We will do our assessment and see what debris needs to be cleaned out,” he said.

Water is released through two mechanical gates, and work on this began Wednesday. From the lake, the water goes into the east branch of the Tully River.

“We just ask for patience and understanding,” said Koziol. “We’re doing our best to get things back to normal.”

Tully Lake is located on the east branch of the Tully River and is a part of a network of flood risk management dams on tributaries of the Connecticut River (including the Birch Hill Dam), according to the USACE. The dam at Tully Lake in Royalston lies across the East Branch of the Tully River.

In addition, Butterworth Road in Royalston was closed three days ago due to the heavy rains, according to Royalston Fire. The culvert pipes became overwhelmed with the rain and couldn’t keep up with the flow from Collar Brook. The road sustained some damage, and Department of Pubic Works crews repaired it the following day.

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or at mbowen@recorder.com. 

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