This summary has been prepared by LakeMcQueeney.com based on the official update provided by the Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (LMWCID No. 1). Our goal is to help residents and waterfront property owners stay informed on the progress of the dam renovation project in a clear and accessible format.
Substantial Completion Update
📅 New Target Date: February 27, 2026
The “substantial completion” milestone means the Lake McQueeney Dam Renovation has been inspected, tested, and is ready to operate. At that point, the lake can begin refilling—depending on rainfall and drought conditions.
🔁 Clarification: While operations may begin at substantial completion, final construction and testing work will continue beyond that date.
What’s Causing the Delay?
The key issue driving this month’s Lake McQueeney Dam Renovation schedule revision is a delivery delay from Steel-Fab, Inc., the gate manufacturer. Two gate panels for the third spillgate are still pending, and construction cannot move forward until all four are onsite.
➡️ Although past delays were caused by cofferdam leaks, that phase is complete. Work on the third gate will now proceed under the protection of the maintenance stop log system.
✅ The transformer, previously removed from the project’s critical path, has since arrived and will be installed before substantial completion.
Completed Work as of December
✅ Bay 1 – Side seal plates installed
✅ Bay 2 – Cylinders connected and hydraulics tested
✅ Bay 2 – Crest gate pretested and bolts torqued
✅ Stainless steel side seal plates welded
✅ South embankment dam armoring complete
🛠️ North embankment armoring – in progress
🛠️ Control building electrical work – in progress
🛠️ Powerhouse stair landings – in progress
🛠️ Bay 2 seals – in progress
Upcoming Construction Tasks
Bay 1 – Horizontal seal and stop log installation
Bay 2 – Concrete for 2nd stage side seals
Cut cofferdam steel sheet piles
Final work on the maintenance bridge
Ongoing control building and electrical installations
Concrete placements at North embankment
Roadway and utility installation at South embankment
Manufacturer & Contractor Updates:
🏗 Steel-Fab, Inc.
Awaiting two Bay 1 gate panels
One expected mid-December
Second panel estimated ship date: December 18
These delays continue to affect Sundt’s build schedule
🛠 Centex – Gantry Crane
Crane wheel blocks completed
Crane staged and ready for painting
Contract Oversight & Liquidated Damages
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) has informed the WCID that liquidated damages provisions in the Sundt construction contract are currently being enforced. These standard provisions ensure accountability when work extends beyond scheduled deadlines and help protect the interests of residents.
Questions? Contact WCID No. 1
If you have questions or would like to see the official WCID updates directly, please visit the Lake McQueeney WCID No. 1 website
and use the Contact Us form.
Looking Ahead: Refill & Real Estate
Once the dam is operational, water levels will begin to rise, bringing the lake back to life. This is a critical moment for homeowners and prospective buyers.
👉 In the meantime, explore active waterfront listings on LakeMcQueeney.com or connect with Jordan Lippe Walker, the local expert in McQueeney waterfront real estate.
