Walkers at Lafayette Reservoir are getting a smoother route on the steep stretch between the dam, visitor center and main parking area, as crews rebuild the deteriorating pedestrian path alongside the ongoing seismic tower project.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is reconstructing the short connector path as part of its $14 million Lafayette Reservoir Tower Seismic Upgrade. The section had deteriorating pavement and cramped spots that contrasted with the smoother Lakeside Nature Trail circling the reservoir, the Bay Area Telegraph reported on Aug. 14.

The path work grew out of necessity. EBMUD widened the access road to move heavy equipment for the tower retrofit, and that road work created an opportunity to rebuild the adjacent pedestrian route, according to Patch.

The reservoir draws more than a million visitors a year, according to the Lamorinda Weekly. Many use the connector path daily to reach the lakeside loop.

The bigger project

The path reconstruction is a side benefit of the seismic upgrade to the reservoir's nearly century-old outlet tower, which has stood since 1929. EBMUD said seismic studies found the tower could bend and break in a major earthquake, potentially damaging conduits at its base. The district is shortening the tower by 40 feet and building a new metal operating house on top.

Workers began the project in May 2026. A crane mounted on a floating barge has been lifting away sections from the tower's top. Scaffolding wraps the structure, and debris leaves the site via the Acalanes Road onramp, avoiding downtown Lafayette.

Joe Voelker, EBMUD's Community Affairs Representative, called the project a major investment in public safety and water quality for Lafayette and the region in an Aug. 12 Lamorinda Weekly article.

Timeline and access

EBMUD expects the tower portion to be completed by the end of October 2026. The new operating house and shortened tower are anticipated by winter 2026, and the entire reservoir project is projected for completion in fall 2027. No specific completion date for the pedestrian path alone has been announced.

Construction is limited to weekdays. Weekend visitors face little disruption. On weekdays, walkers and drivers may encounter brief delays of 10 to 15 minutes at the park entrance due to intermittent traffic flagging for equipment transport.

Questions about the project can be directed to EBMUD at [email protected] or 510-287-2053.