Rehabilitation of Curtis Dam

Curtis Dam and Powerhouse are located on the upper Hudson River inside the Adirondack park (New York) and is owned by TransCanada Power.

In 2001, Regional Power was contacted by TransCanada to manage the project of rehabilitating Curtis Dam by replacing wooden flashboard system with an inflatable rubber crest gate within two years to meet their operating agreement.

The dam’s existing wooden flashboard system failed every year during high flow season and winter ice jams resulting in loss of power generation and revenue.

Regional immediately began to identify innovative design, fabrication, and installation approaches to reduce costs and shorten the construction schedule:

A completely different coffer dam concept eliminated the need for two federal agency reviews and permit processes.

A unique dam alteration concept eliminated the need for one lengthy state agency review and permit.

A parallel field preparation / shop fabrication approach enabled tight control of final crest shape.

All of these innovations shortened the schedule and reduce installation costs.

The rehabilitation of Curtis Dam was successful. Its benefits include enhancement of seasonal fish production and more power generation.

Curtis Dam Project is known as “First of its kind, in record time!”

*Regional Power’s innovative approach to minimize environmental disturbance during civil works*