The Roanoke Times reported today that work on the Blackwater River dam is scheduled to start on Monday. Area residents are anxiously awaiting the completion of this project because of recent injuries and deaths at the dam.

"Work is moving forward on a low-head dam on the Blackwater River where two people have died in the past two months.

Rocky Mount and Franklin County officials have hired Shively Construction to add rocks to the front of the dam to break the hydraulic cycle that can drown people who get caught up in it, said Scott Martin, director of commerce and leisure services for the county. The company will also cut a new portage, spots above and below the dam where people can safely exit and re-enter the river to avoid the dam. Signs are already present around the dam, warning people to exit the river.

Work will begin Monday and should take a week or two to complete, depending on water levels, Martin said."

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