Replacing an aging dam with a design that provides resiliency during low water conditions

Kentucky River Lock and Dam 10 Design

Dam 10 on the Kentucky River secures the pool of water that serves the City of Winchester. Originally constructed in 1907, the dam has undergone numerous renovations over its lifetime. When significant deficiencies were discovered, the Kentucky River Authority hired us to assist with next steps. Our team developed a range of options for a potential renovation or full replacement of the dam. Ultimately, a complete replacement was deemed necessary.

We designed a needle dam extension and bulkhead constructed in front of the existing upper lock gates, so that a renovation of that lock could be accomplished more easily in the future. In addition, the bulkhead includes a water conveyance valve to help carry water downstream to Pool 9, the largest water supply in Kentucky River System, providing resiliency for the city during low water conditions. 

The new dam was designed to accommodate a future six feet vertical crest raise for rehabilitation and allows for more water storage in Pool 10—securing the water supply for the city’s foreseeable future.