Restoring River Meadow Brook: The Future of the Congress Street Dam

Water has always been central to Lowell’s story. From Indigenous communities who fished and farmed along the rivers, to the canals that launched the American Industrial Revolution, the city’s identity is shaped by flowing water. River Meadow Brook, a quieter stream within this network, has also been reshaped — straightened, dammed, and confined during the construction of the Lowell Connector in the 1960s.

Today, the Congress Street Dam no longer serves its purpose. Instead, it blocks fish passage, degrades water quality, and poses safety and maintenance concerns. Across Massachusetts, outdated dams are being removed to restore rivers, improve resilience, and create healthier communities.

This interactive StoryMap explores the history of River Meadow Brook, the story of the Congress Street Dam, and the opportunities that dam removal provides for both the river and the city of Lowell.

River Meadow Brook & The Congress Street Dam StoryMap

Learn More About Dam Removals Across Massachusetts

• Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration

• Merrimack River Watershed Council

Get Involved

• Attend upcoming community meetings on dam removal projects

• Volunteer with local river cleanups and restoration projects

• Share this StoryMap with neighbors, educators, and friends