January 2026 Construction Update

Winter came early in mid-Michigan this year which has slowed construction progress. The contractor is continuing to work as weather permits. Read a snapshot of the work completed so far and the next steps at each site.

Lake Lancer:

Three major initiatives ongoing for Lake Lancer:

• The grade control structure downstream was reconfigured.

• The contractor completed an inspection and installed control measures for the cold-water discharge system. Once snowpack lessens, crews will abandon in place the discharge system and install an updated system.

• The planned concrete repairs are scheduled to take place in the spring. We are awaiting warmer temperatures for the best results.

Lake Lancelot:

• Erosion protection was installed in the auxiliary culverts along Islander Way, just west of the Saddle Dam No. 3 Structure. The auxiliary culverts are the concrete channels that connect Lake Lancer and Lake Lancelot along Islander Way.

• At the Grass Lake structure, the cofferdams to divert water from the existing lake level structure were installed upstream and downstream. The existing intake structure was removed and excavation was completed. The foundation material and concrete was installed in early December and the forms for the structure walls were installed this week. The next step is to pour concrete for the walls which is planned to happen this week.

• At Saddle Dam No. 3, no work is scheduled to take place until the spring.

All work necessary to raise the lake back to the normal level is still on track to be completed by Spring 2026.