Project Highlight: Lincoln Lake Dam

Lincoln Lake Dam is a high-hazard dam located at Lincoln State Park in Spencer County, Indiana.  The dam was constructed in the 1930s, and the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) retained Commonwealth Engineers to complete a study and design to address deficiencies with the dam. 

The saturated condition at and near the toe of the slope of the dam required a stability berm with an underdrain to control seepage through the embankment. Additionally, voids under the spillway needed to be filled without blocking the cross drains, the embankment needed to be protected from overtopping, utilities needed to be relocated, and a new drawdown structure had to be installed. 

Omni Earthworks, LLC was the selected contractor. The project was initiated with tree clearing in the spring. The water in the lake was lowered in the summer to safely perform the work. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR’s) Division of Fish & Wildlife assisted with salvaging the sport fish and the eradication of less desirable fish. 

The project will be substantially complete by the end of the year. The water level in the lake will be allowed to return to its normal elevation starting in December.

The IDNR Divisions of Engineering and State Parks have assisted Commonwealth with the day-to-day construction oversight. 

For more information on Commonwealth’s services related to dams and levees, reach out to Dale Gick, PE.