The tarmaced roadway is the result of the remodelling of the dam in the 1950's. The work was quite extensive, and included the widening of the dam to its present width, and the creation of a new lower face to the dam with an outflow for water from the pool behind. The area behind the new wall was back filled with a mixture of ash and clinker. The present low walls on each side of the dam have been made from reused paving slabs and date back to the same period.
When the archaeological investigations had been completed a protective layer was placed over the cobbles, using a geotextile membrane. The dam was then temporarily back filled with the loose material which had been dug out at the start of the excavations.
The design for the reconstruction of Leasowes Lane dam is now almost complete. This artists impression shows how it will look once rebuilt. The drawing also shows that the cascade on the lower side of the dam will take on a strikingly different appearance with stone being imported and placed by crane to form the appearance of stone strata over which the water will flow (from a stone arch in the dam) to create a cataract effect.
Leasowes Lane dam prior to restoration.
Artist's Impression of Leasowes Lane dam following reconstruction.
