The Folsom Dam Raise Project (FDRP) started back in 2024. The Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with raising the dams and eight dykes around Folsom Lake by 3.5 feet to enhance flood protection. Given my belief in climate change, this is probably very necessary.
Unfortunately, these dykes are in my riding areas.
The initial work on Dykes 1, 2 and 3 messed up my mountain bike rides. Some trails were closed and a couple nice pieces of singletrack were bulldozed. It was frustrating, but with reroutes and detours I could still complete a decent mountain bike ride. The work is ongoing.
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| RIP Singletrack |
Then they started work on the Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam. This closed a main thoroughfare connecting all the Sacramento County trails with the ones in El Dorado County. I used this dirt road for countless commutes home from work. Using this stretch I could ride for over 30 miles without ever touching a road.
Then they started work on Dykes 4, 5 and 6. This closed most of the dirt road between Beals Point and Granite Bay. I rode this stretch all the time on my gravel bike.
The Mormon Island portion was supposed to be completed in the spring of 2025, but that date came and went. I would check every couple of months, but the fence would still be up.
Today I checked again. The fence and equipment were finally gone.
Nothing but smooth, flat gravel road along the water.
I was able to piece together some roads and trails that have been absent from my rides for years, which was nice. I completed a 27-mile mixed terrain ride, and I am looking forward to utilizing this stretch of road once again.
Later.
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