The first phase of rehabilitating a vital piece of Citizens Energy Group infrastructure is nearing completion. The Central Canal aqueduct recently received a major overhaul to repair structural deficiencies and extend its life at least another 25 years.
The Central Canal aqueduct was built in 1839 to move water over Fall Creek as part of the larger Indiana Central Canal project intended to connect the Wabash and Erie Canals to the Ohio River. While the 296-mile canal project was ultimately canceled, eight miles of canal were completed in Indianapolis, stretching from the White River bend in Broad Ripple to the then-West Washington Street Pumping Station (which stands today in White River State Park). In 1976, the Indianapolis Water Company deeded the portion of the canal south of 16th Street to the City of Indianapolis, eventually becoming today’s downtown canal. The remainder of the canal ends just after crossing Fall Creek between Citizens’ Langsdale property and White River Water Treatment Plant.
In its fifth iteration since being built in 1839, the Central Canal aqueduct has been challenged by a failing channel liner, water leaking through the channel into the substructure, concrete and patch deterioration, and severe deterioration of the upper walkway and railing. Phase one of the rehabilitation, which began in late 2022, is intended to repair the channel so rehabilitation of the substructure (piers, abutments, and arches) can commence in phase two.
In order to repair the channel, it first had to be dewatered. An initial plan considered the placement of pumping infrastructure to divert water across Fall Creek and around the aqueduct—an expensive and risky solution. An alternative approach was devised wherein a partition wall would be built down the middle of the aqueduct, allowing for one half of the aqueduct to be dewatered at a time so rehabilitation construction could take place.
The center wall construction phase was completed in March 2023. To allow the aqueduct to continue to move water with little impedance, shoring boxes were placed down the center of the structure, which were then dewatered. Crews removed the gunite/mastic liner and decking and placed the center wall. Placing a cofferdam in front of the north half of the aqueduct, the structure is being dewatered and the existing liner and deck are being removed. The rehabilitation work on the north half will include a new concrete deck and channel walls that will mimic the design of the original construction, including the spillways and weirs. The south half will be dewatered and repaired beginning in November 2023.
While Indiana never saw the convergence of the Wabash and Erie Canals, Indianapolis’ Central Canal is one of the most vital pieces of water supply infrastructure for the city today. The rehabilitation of the Central Canal aqueduct will ensure the movement of water for years to come.
