Spillway crossing at Oak Mountain Park to open

Beginning in September, vehicles won’t need waders to complete a lap around Oak Mountain State Park (OMSP).

As per an agreement among stakeholders, a new spillway crossing has been constructed at the park. According to Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock, the county’s goal was to have the new bridge/culvert construction operational before the end of August provided weather didn’t interfere.

The project was launched in June following a Memorandum of Agreement between Shelby County, the park and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

The construction replaces the spillway adjacent to Locker Lake – the upper lake – that previously restricted or prevented “pedestrian, vehicle and camper access to the main park facilities through the Cahaba Valley Road park entrance,” the agreement reads.

To cover the cost of construction, DCNR agreed to provide $58,000 to Shelby County, which added $50,000 of its own funds. Winston Contracting constructed the new bridge on its approved bid of $107,000.

Also in accordance with the agreement, the county is participating in the coordination, development and construction of a pier at Beaver Lake, the park’s lower lake.

Work to be executed at the lower lake includes constructing a fishing pier and making improvements to the volleyball court and parking facilities to accommodate access to the pier and restrooms.

“The county’s goal is to implement projects valued at $193,000 by or before Dec. 15, 2013,” the agreement states. “County, state and OMSP will continue developing and implementing projects that enhance OMSP facilities, public events or assemblies and other county attractions.”