A major infrastructure upgrade is underway at Tenkiller Dam as part of a newly awarded contract aimed at improving safety and reliability at the decades-old structure.
On May 15, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, finalized a $28.7 million agreement with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. to carry out a comprehensive overhaul of the dam’s spillway bridge.
The project will modernize critical components that have supported the region since the mid-20th century.
The construction will involve tearing down the existing bridge and replacing it with a new, modern structure. Additional efforts will address aging components such as piers and water lines, while also enhancing lighting, electrical systems, and traffic safety features. Specialized equipment including torque shafts, monorail hoists and updated catwalks will also be installed to support dam operations.
The Tenkiller Lake project, situated in northeastern Oklahoma along the Illinois River, has served the surrounding Cherokee and Sequoyah counties since its completion in 1953.
The dam lies just northeast of Gore and southeast of Muskogee, continuing to play a vital role in water management and recreation in the region.
The Corps initiated the procurement process last November, with proposals due in early January.
The recent announcement coincides with USACE’s ongoing commemoration of 250 years of national service, highlighting its extensive portfolio of civil and military engineering projects across the globe.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, has finalized a $28.7 million agreement with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. to overhaul the dam’s spillway bridge.
STACEY REESE | COURTESY
