Alliant Energy news release
Prairie du Sac dam parking area and access road will be closed weeks of July 5 and 12
Closure will allow barges to be safely unloaded from vehicles in order to start the replacement of the spillway dam operator deck project.
PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. (June 18, 2021) – The Prairie du Sac dam parking lot area and access road will be closed the weeks of July 5 and July 12, 2021. The closure ensures a safe area for Alliant Energy crews to continue their work on the dam improvement project, which requires barges to be put in the Wisconsin River above the dam. Closing the parking lot area and access road allows about two dozen large construction vehicles to safely deliver sections of the barges to the site.
The work includes using a crane secured to a barge to replace the existing spillway operator deck. This spillway operator deck allows for safe operation of the spillway gates, which benefits the public who enjoy recreation near the dam. Other than when the barges are brought in and out of the property, access to the site and waters around the dam will remain accessible.
“We’re starting a one-year dam improvement project and our number one priority is safety,” said Eric Curtis, Alliant Energy project manager. “We’ll be using the parking lot as a barge drop off and assembly staging area. Taking these precautions ensures the safety of our workers and the public, especially those who visit the area for recreational activities. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience during the next few weeks.”
The parking lot area and access road will be closed to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, July 5, through Friday, July 9 and Monday, July 12 through Friday, July 16.
The spillway operator deck replacement project is expected to be completed this winter when the barges will be removed. This will require another closure of the parking lot area and access road in late 2021.
“Like the past few summers, visitors to the area may see more trucks and hear some noise during the day for the next several months,” Curtis said. “We appreciate the public’s understanding while we work to improve our 107-year-old dam so it can continue to bring clean energy to our customers.”
J.F. Brennan is the lead contractor on the project.
PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. (June 18, 2021) – The Prairie du Sac dam parking lot area and access road will be closed the weeks of July 5 and July 12, 2021. The closure ensures a safe area for Alliant Energy crews to continue their work on the dam improvement project, which requires barges to be put in the Wisconsin River above the dam. Closing the parking lot area and access road allows about two dozen large construction vehicles to safely deliver sections of the barges to the site.
The work includes using a crane secured to a barge to replace the existing spillway operator deck. This spillway operator deck allows for safe operation of the spillway gates, which benefits the public who enjoy recreation near the dam. Other than when the barges are brought in and out of the property, access to the site and waters around the dam will remain accessible.
“We’re starting a one-year dam improvement project and our number one priority is safety,” said Eric Curtis, Alliant Energy project manager. “We’ll be using the parking lot as a barge drop off and assembly staging area. Taking these precautions ensures the safety of our workers and the public, especially those who visit the area for recreational activities. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience during the next few weeks.”
The parking lot area and access road will be closed to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, July 5, through Friday, July 9 and Monday, July 12 through Friday, July 16.
The spillway operator deck replacement project is expected to be completed this winter when the barges will be removed. This will require another closure of the parking lot area and access road in late 2021.
“Like the past few summers, visitors to the area may see more trucks and hear some noise during the day for the next several months,” Curtis said. “We appreciate the public’s understanding while we work to improve our 107-year-old dam so it can continue to bring clean energy to our customers.”
J.F. Brennan is the lead contractor on the project.