The Lake McQueeney dam construction update for November 2025 highlights continued momentum on the spillgate replacement and dam armoring project. The Board of Directors for the Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (LMWCID 1) remains committed to providing transparent monthly updates as construction continues toward restoring lake functionality and long-term infrastructure reliability.
Updated Construction Timeline
Great progress has been made this month. However, project inspections have taken longer than anticipated, and delays in steel fabrication continue. Based on actual experience, the construction team has revised the substantial completion targets:
• Earliest Estimated Completion: January 31, 2026
• Latest Estimated Completion: April 30, 2026
Previously, the latest target was March 2026, per Sundt Construction’s October progress report. “Substantial completion” means the structure has passed inspection, undergone testing, and is ready for controlled water collection. Lake refilling will depend on weather conditions and regional drought outlook.
The Lake McQueeney Dam construction project continues to progress, but contractual enforcement measures have also come into focus. The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) has informed the Lake McQueeney WCID Board that liquidated damages provisions in the construction contract with Sundt are currently being enforced per the terms of the agreement.
Liquidated damages are a standard clause in public works contracts that allow the project owner to recover pre-agreed costs if the contractor fails to meet the scheduled completion date. GBRA is actively applying these provisions to maintain accountability and ensure that community interests are protected.
Recently Completed Work:
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✅ Bay 3 hydraulic cylinder connection
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✅ Bay 3 crest gate pretesting
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✅ Welding, repair, painting completed
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✅ Bay 3 side/horizontal seals finalized
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✅ Final bolt torquing
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✅ Grouting of hinges, stop pads, and trunnions
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✅ Cathodic protection system tested
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✅ Bay 3 cofferdam sheets removed
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✅ Bay 2 temporary struts and stop pads installed
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✅ Bay 2 stoplogs and gate installed
Ongoing Construction Work:
• Stair landings and stringers for powerhouse access
• Bay 2 side/horizontal seals
• Electrical and control building modifications
• North and South embankment armoring (rock placement, concrete pads)
Upcoming Work in December:
• Connect Bay 2 hydraulic cylinders
• Weld stainless steel seal plates
• Pressure testing Bay 2 hydraulics
• Pretest Bay 2 crest gate
• Begin Bay 1 side seal plate installation
• Maintenance bridge finishes
• Continued concrete placement on dam embankments
• Final control building electrical integration
For additional insight into regional water management, visit the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA).
To explore past updates and related dam work, check out our previous monthly construction updates.
Additionally, for those tracking local real estate trends, explore the latest in Lake McQueeney waterfront home sales to stay informed on buying or selling opportunities.