A joint venture (JV) involving FlatironDragados and Sukut Construction has been selected to deliver the $1.9bn Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit in Morgan Hill, California, US.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) has issued a notice to proceed, allowing construction to begin on extensive upgrades to the dam, which is Santa Clara County’s largest surface reservoir.
Awarded through a best-value procurement process, the project aims to rebuild the embankment and spillway of the Anderson Dam and install new outlet infrastructure.
Additional work will address related roadway, utility, and environmental improvements to bring the dam into compliance with current seismic safety standards.
Construction on the seismic retrofit is scheduled to begin early next year.
FlatironDragados USA president Richard Grabinski said: “The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project is a critical investment in the long-term prosperity of this community.
“We are honoured to continue our partnership with Valley Water and bring the full capabilities of FlatironDragados and Sukut to this landmark project that will benefit the region. This award reflects the strength of our people, our partnerships and our proven ability to deliver complex infrastructure that improves quality of life and supports future growth.”
Anderson Reservoir, the largest surface reservoir in Santa Clara County, was reduced to just 3% of its capacity in 2020 due to seismic safety concerns.
The retrofit project is intended to restore the dam's ability to withstand major earthquakes, allowing the reservoir to return to normal operating levels upon completion, according to Valley Water.
The FlatironDragados-Sukut JV draws on the experience of personnel involved in the delivery of the Calaveras Dam and the Isabella Lake Dam in California.
Both projects have received recognition from the US Society on Dams for excellence in construction.
FlatironDragados is also nearing completion of the Anderson Dam Tunnel, which began in 2021.
Measuring 1,700ft in length and 24ft in diameter, the tunnel will serve as a permanent low-level outlet for the reservoir and provide enhanced control of water levels during the seismic retrofit.
