Phase 1 repairs to Bundick Lake drawdown structure update: Anticipated completion by October 2023 – Beauregard Parish
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 10:43:13 PM
Beauregard Parish – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that C.E.C. Inc. is expected to start a portion of Phase 1 early next week, which includes replacing the drawdown structure at Bundick Lake.

Because the creek continues to flow above the gate elevation, the contractor must install a sheet pile wall. This will allow the contractor to perform Phase 1 repairs with minimal interruptions associated with rising water levels. Materials for the required sheet pile work are expected to arrive on site by the end of this week, and installation will begin next week.


Phase 1 of work is anticipated to last until October, weather permitting. Work includes:
  • Replacing the trash rack and gathering measurements to build the sluice gate (which will be installed at a later date during Phase 2).
  • Installing the dewatering plate guide and drive piles for the installation of the secondary screen.
  • Installing the new dewatering plate and test the seal before removing the plate and closing the sluice gate so the lake can return to pool stage.
The drawdown structure has been open since May 17, 2023, so the lake could reach an elevation of 79.25 feet. The depth was required before work could start on the drawdown gate. The gate is expected to remain open through Phase 1.

Once Phase 1 nears completion, the drawdown structure will be closed to allow Bundick Lake to return to pool stage. Crews will install cable with buoys as the lake level rises. New signage will be installed around this time. Phase 2 is anticipated to start in early 2024 and can be completed without drawdown. Work includes reinstalling the dewatering plate, which will allow C.E.C. to remove and replace the sluice gate without having to drain the lake.

Crews have already replaced the hand rail damaged by Hurricane Laura and have installed chain link fencing, along with anchor points for the buoy spillway safety cable. The pictures below show work that was already done at the site.


The entire project is scheduled to take a year to complete. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Customer Service Center at 877-452-3683 or by emailing dotdcs@la.gov.