Wake Forest sets November 9 start for reservoir dam improvements

The Town of Wake Forest will close access to the Wake Forest Reservoir on November 9 so Zachry Construction can prepare a phased program of dam and supporting-infrastructure improvements.

The town said the controlled drawdown will begin during the week of November 9 and proceed over several weeks. Once the water level provides safe access, construction will include dam-embankment improvements, spillway and outlet-structure work, earthwork, demolition and related site work. The final phase will allow the reservoir to refill naturally after the work is complete and restoration is authorized.

The town’s project page adds that the program includes removing an outdated onsite water-treatment plant and related valves, piping, electrical components and buildings. Planned dam work includes raising the dam by 2.8 feet and replacing the spillway. The site at 1143 Wait Avenue involves about 8.3 acres of disturbance.

The project is partially funded through a Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant and the town’s bond program, but the sources reviewed do not disclose a total project cost or Zachry’s contract value. Zachry is identified as the contractor, so this is active project delivery—not an open procurement notice.

The next milestone is the November 9 closure and controlled drawdown. Wake Forest did not announce a fixed completion date; refill timing will depend on construction authorization, rainfall, weather and reservoir conditions.