December Update from the GBRA
12-17-2025 Monthly Project Update
The Board of Directors for Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (LMWCID 1, or “the District”) would like to provide residents an update on the work performed so far at the dam for the Lake McQueeney Spillgate Replacement and Dam Armoring Project.
Schedule Status:
The substantial completion target date has changed due to bay 3 cofferdam leaks and transformer supply chain issues.
Correction: The main issue contributing to this month’s schedule change is the gate manufacturer (Steel-Fab) is late on their delivery of some of the gate panels for the third spillgate. The contractor has completed installation of the second spillgate and cannot begin assembly of the third gate until all four panels are on-site. This is the main issue currently driving the substantial completion date.
There were issues with cofferdam leaking in the past during the phase of the project where structural concrete was being installed in the spillway, but this has not been an issue for some time. The project has now hit a milestone where the cofferdam is no longer required, and the third gate will be installed with the maintenance stop log system protecting the work area. The transformer is an item that was removed from the critical path of the project several months ago when the contractor located temporary equipment that could be used until the permanent transformer arrived. However, since that time the permanent equipment has arrived and will be installed prior to substantial completion after all.
The Board of Directors at Lake McQueeney WCID No. 1 take transparency seriously and are committed to providing accurate and timely updates on this project. In response to recent questions regarding our previous reports, we have made efforts to clarify and correct information related to this update to ensure that all residents are accurately informed.
Substantial Completion: February 27, 2026
The “substantial completion date” references the date the work has been sufficiently inspected, tested and construction finished. The lake can start collecting water at that time. The date the lake will be filled will depend on weather and drought conditions.
Revision: At substantial completion the project has been sufficiently inspected and tested to be placed into operation and begin refilling the lake, but there are still additional testing and construction activities that will occur beyond that date. Construction will not be finished until final completion.
Current Work Status:
- Bay 1 – install 1st side seal plates – completed
- Bay 2 – set and connect hydraulic cylinders - completed
- Bay 2 – flush and pressure test hydraulics - completed
- Bay 2 – crest gate pre-test - completed
- Bay 2 - final torque all bolts - completed
- Bay 2 – side and horizontal seal – ongoing
- Weld stainless steel side seal plates - completed
- South embankment – dam armoring - completed
- Powerhouse access – stair landings and stringers - ongoing
- Control Building – modifications and electrical - ongoing
- North Embankment dam armoring - ongoing
Upcoming work:
- Bay 1 horizontal seal
- Bay 1 stop log installation
- Bay 2 side seals 2nd stage concrete placement
- Bay 2 cut cofferdam steel sheet piles
- Maintenance bridge finishes
- Control building modifications and electrical
- North embankment dam armoring concrete placements
- South embankment utilities
- South embankment roadway
Steel-Fab, Inc.:
- Awaiting two Bay 1 gate sections
- Lower section expected mid-December
- Second lower section expected ship date is December 18th
- Gate delivery is affecting Sundt’s schedule
Centex – Gantry Crane:
- Crane wheel blocks are completed
- Crane is staged for painting
If residents have additional questions regarding the Lake McQueeney Spill gate Replacement and Dam Armoring Project, please use the Contact Us form to submit your inquiries.
