Bell Road to close for dam work

The section of Bell Road that crosses J. Percy Priest Dam will close daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22-26, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Monday.

The road closure is part of an ongoing project improve water quality in the Stones River. While the roadway is closed, a crane will be positioned on the dam to remove a bulkhead and replace some 36-inch pipe.

New pipe will allow water to be released through a minimum flow valve which will add oxygen as it falls back into the river. Falling water releases hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring byproduct of decaying algae, that can cause taste and odor problems.

The project will benefit the aquatic species below the dam and will provide for a continuous flow of water in the river. It is scheduled to be completed by spring 2010.