Drawdown of Silver Lake Underway for Start of Dam Modification Project
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A nearly $19 million project to replace the Silver Lake Dam and to alter other parts of the Rochester body of water is underway.
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The Rochester City Council earlier this month gave final approval to replace the Great Depression-era dam with a series of cascading pools and rapids.
Crews are also set to dredge the lake and construct a new trail on the body of water’s northern shore.
Silver Lake in Rochester, MN Drawn Down as Dam Replacement Project Begins
The first phase of the project is to dredge the lake and install the dam’s replacement. A gradual drawdown of the lake is needed for the work to be done and the drawdown began on Monday.
City officials say the gradual drawdown allows the sediment to remain in the lakebed so it can dredge during the winter months. A small water channel will be maintained during the dredging work.
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A city spokesperson says the dredged material will be trucked to KR-3 reservoir south of the Kalmer Landfill on 19th Street SW. City officials are advising the public to anticipate increased truck traffic on 7th St. NE, 13th/14th St. NW and West Silver Lake Dr.
Sewer Line Replacement Planned During Silver Lake Drawdown
In addition to the dredging work and dam replacement, crews will also be replacing a sanitary sewer line while the water level is lowered. The replacement project is located in the area of 7th St. NE.
Officials say the pedestrian bridge that crosses the lake will be closed during the replacement project later this Fall.
Members of the public are being advised to avoid the exposed lakebed and to avoid the construction area as ongoing activities may create unexpected hazards.
Silver Lake Dam Modification Project Anticipated to be Done by Sept. 1, 2027
Officials anticipate the dredging, dam replacement and sewer line replacement to be completed by the Spring of next year.
A news release says the lake will be returned to “lake conditions” upon completion of the work this Winter. The remainder of the project is anticipated to be finished by September 1 of next year.
11 'Lakes' in and around Rochester, Minnesota
Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams
