The City of Lake Quivira Spillway Improvement Project is on a roll.  Here’s an update on developments since the last communication on December 5, 2023.

• Schedule – Weather has been generally cooperative throughout December which has allowed solid progress on the project. The project has moved from the excavation phase to the construction phase. In addition to the original excavation crew, there are now routinely a crew of ironworkers tying many tons of rebar and concrete finishing crews conducting pours which are now occurring twice a week.  A crane has been mobilized to lower material and machinery into the work site and a pump truck is often mobilized.  Weather becomes an increasing factor affecting pour and cure time.  For the most part, the project remains on track for substantial completion by the end of February, 2024.
• Channel Construction‍
• ~The channel base, which has been the focus in December, is constructed in three phases.  After a small delay to resolve unforeseen ground conditions, the seal course (base layer of concrete) and keyways (which prevent longitudinal shifting) have been completely installed from the bridge to the waterfall.  Reinforcing steel bar has been tied on about 2/3 of the channel.  The remaining base steel will be tied next week.  The final concrete has been poured on about 2/3 of the channel length.  In order to assure uniformity, an automated screed machine, commonly used on bridges, has been deployed to finish the final base.  The base has a 4 degree slope from side to side which will concentrate small flows into the center of the channel.
• ~Once the floor is complete, which we expect to be in early January pending weather, steel will be tied for the walls, forms set, and pouring will begin.  The new channel will be a U shape as opposed to a V shape of the prior channel.  The walls vary in height from tallest near the bridge to shortest near the waterfall.
• ‍South Spillway Wall – Engineering discussions are continuing as to how best upgrade the south wall in an effective yet cost-efficient and visibly attractive manner.  This phase of the project will involve a lane closure so access options are also critical to the final decision.   Once a design is selected, we anticipate a change order to the existing contract to proceed with this phase of the project once the spillway is complete.
• Bridge Repair – We have secured a vendor to perform necessary repairs to the bridge walls.  Repairs include tuckpointing, stone replacement and installing caps that will match the existing stonework across the dam wall.  Materials have been ordered and construction will commence as weather allows.   This phase of the project will also result in temporary lane closures.   Thanks in advance for your patience.
• Utilities
• ~Kansas Gas has been working, albeit slowly, in the clubhouse area to complete connections of the Quivira buildings to the KGS network.  We anticipate this will be completed by mid-January.  
• ~Once the KGS work is complete, Q, Inc. can complete the planned mill and overlay project in the entrance area.  Weather becomes a significant factor this time of year and we anticipate this work will be completed at the end of March or early April.
• Lake Level – Last month we thought we’d be in a position to lower the lake back to normal winter pool by mid-December. That hasn’t occurred primarily because there was a concern that without the base of the channel secured, opening the gate may cause a scouring action on the sidewalls which could impact the stability of the ditch.  December has been wetter than normal which has caused the rising lake to drain through the east spillway.  Bringing the lake back down is a high priority and we hope to do so in early January once the channel base is secured.
• Safety – Renner Road is particularly busy with the project in full swing and increased workers on site.  We respectfully request that residents exercise caution and proceed slowly through the construction zone.

Please feel free to contact Spillway Committee members if you have questions or comments. Pictures and drone footage of the project are below.

Spillway Committee Members:‍

• Annie Noland
• Win Zoellner
• Pat McAnany
• Dave McCullagh
• Brent Johnson (Olsson Engineering)