Phase II construction is officially under way on the Duck River Dam, and officials want to remind locals the area where the dam is being built is an “active construction site” and any trespassing is prohibited.

Blasting work is set to start soon with contractor ASI Constructors, Inc. and a pre-blast survey is also underway. With work ramping up, city officials want to urge area residents and those curious about the project not to trespass in the area for safety concerns.

Instead, an overlook on the west side of the river off County Road 1640 is open where anyone can get a wide view of the dam’s progress.

“It’s a great vantage point and very safe, plus its open 24-7,” project organizer Dale Greer said. “We just can’t have people out there because it’s a pure safety issue.”

The dam project will create a 640-acre lake with a 32-million-gallon-per-day capacity in northeast Cullman County, which will work in conjunction with the area’s current sole major water source Lake Catoma. The design will be a hybrid, with roller-compacted concrete in the center and earthen wings.

A hiking trail is also being built around the future lake, though the portion above Tanner Bridge on County Road 1651 will be temporarily closed during construction due to blasting and to allow crews to transport equipment.

A number of no trespassing signs have already been posted around the construction site, and fences are also being installed in some areas.

Greer noted ASI, along with engineer-of-record CH2M Hill and owner’s representative St. Johns and Associates will spend the next two weeks revising the overall schedule to nail down more specific dates for when different phases of work will be complete.

“They’ll essentially be fine-tuning some things,” he said. “That will also help going forward with financing.”

Next week, ASI crews are expected to begin work extending the diversion tunnel and installing a collapsible, portable dam as a waterproof barrier that will also divert the river. The portable dam can be filled with water, and the weight of the water anchors the temporary structure.

The total cost of the dam project is estimated at approximately $110 million, which is up approximately $40 million from initial estimates due to some unforeseen geological concerns at the site and higher-than-expected flood standards. Along with the increased price tag, local water rates will also be going up to cover the debt service for the project.

The Duck River project has been in the works for more than a decade, after being permitted by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers than subsequently delayed by environmental challenges that have since been resolved.

Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 134.