BUCHANAN DAM, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority on Thursday reported that after more than 12 years, the $51 million project to upgrade Buchanan Dam’s floodgates is complete.

What You Need To Know

  • The LCRA reports that after 12 years, the massive project to upgrade Buchanan Dam's 37 floodgates has been completed

  • The $51 million project took a long time because the floodgates needed extensive repair and work could only be performed on a few of them at a time 

  • Crews will now be able to open the floodgates more quickly, better ensuring the dam can respond to flooding

  • Completed in 1938, Buchanan Dam stands more than 145 feet and is nearly two miles long

According to the LCRA, the project took a lot of time because the rehabilitation work needed was extensive and work could only be performed on the dam’s 37 floodgates a few at a time in order to ensure the dam was constantly capable of preventing flooding.

“This is a remarkable dam and a remarkable project,” said Timothy Timmerman, chair of the LCRA Board of Directors. “The dam was completed in 1938 using technology and engineering standards of the day. Without changing the dam’s structure, we were able to upgrade the floodgates to meet today’s engineering standards, as well as make them able to respond to flooding more quickly.”

LCRA said each floodgate was strengthened and that crews added 30 stationary remote-operated hoists that will allow the floodgates to open more quickly as well as two traveling remote-operated hoists to accommodate the remaining seven floodgates.

“LCRA operates dams in the heart of Flash Flood Alley, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” said Phil Wilson, LCRA general manager. “We have to stay vigilant and ready to protect the water supply and respond to flooding at any time, and a significant part of that effort involves keeping our dams in excellent condition. We are fully committed to keeping our dams safe and reliable to continue serving the people of Texas.”

According to LCRA, Buchanan Dam is the uppermost dam in the Highland Lakes, stands more than 145 feet high and is nearly two miles long, making it one of the longest multiple arch dams in the world.