Lincoln Lake Dam Rehabilitation Complete; Public Access Reopens

Commonwealth Engineers is proud to announce the successful completion of the Lincoln Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project. With construction now finished, the project site has reopened to public access, and Lincoln Lake is gradually returning to its normal pool elevation.

The rehabilitation project addressed seepage concerns and provided a functioning drawdown system. Commonwealth provided both the engineering design and construction oversight services. 

A key component of this project was the installation of a new stability berm along the downstream slope of the dam. The stability berm was designed to capture seepage within the embankment and safely convey it through a newly installed toe drain system. This improvement enhances the dam’s overall stability while providing a controlled method for collecting and discharging seepage.

Additionally, the drawdown tower was taken down. In its place, a siphon system was installed to provide a reliable means of lowering the lake level, when necessary, for maintenance activities or emergency operations.

Lincoln Lake is steadily refilling, and water levels are returning to normal pool. Visitors will once again be able to enjoy access to the area and the recreational opportunities the lake provides, as IDNR opens the facilities for public use.

The completion of the Lincoln Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project represents an important investment in infrastructure resilience and public safety. Commonwealth is honored to have partnered with the IDNR Divisions of Engineering and State Parks as well as IDOA on this project. Delivering both design and construction-phase services will help ensure the dam continues to serve the community safely and effectively for years to come.

For more information about Commonwealth’s dam and water resources engineering services, contact Dale Gick, PE.