Officials work to shore up Waltham dam

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Officials say the Moody Street Dam is no longer in danger of failing, yet crews continued to work to shore up the structure on Tuesday.

"It does not appear that the dam is in jeopardy of failing," said Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy.

After three straight days of rain, the surging Charles River threatened nearby senior housing and was at times on the edge of breaching the dam itself.

Crews used sandbags, rocks and Jersey barriers as reinforcements. The scene had nearby residents worried.

"My legs started shaking," said one woman.

"I go down there and sit by the river a lot, just to sit on the bench and read books. I've never seen it like that," added Miriam Linihan, who lives in the apartment building.

To stop the water from crashing against the building, crews used barriers to divert the flow. People living in the basement had to evacuate.

The Conservation & Recreation Department hopes the dam has already crested, adding that they've seen the water level go down by about 3 inches.

On Monday night, crews tried unsuccessfully to open the gate to relieve the pressure and lower the water level.

McCarthy on Monday said she is nervous about the dam, which has been pushed to the brink.

"I'm nervous about the dam going, I am. The state's here, the governor's here to personally assess the situation...he's put everybody on it... because if we lose that dam, there's a lot of damage to the Commonwealth, Waltham, everybody," McCarthy said.

The banks of nearby streams and brooks were overwhelmed, creating a river on Linden Street. Officials used the buckets of front-loaders to carry people over the rising waters on the street.

Displaced families were sent to Waltham High School on Monday night. Officials have opened an emergency day shelter up at the Bright School at 260 Grove St. for anyone who needs bathroom facilities and heat.

Gov. Deval Patrick had declared a state of emergency in Waltham. He urged people to be careful on their commute, as a foot of water can significantly affect a car's movement

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