New outlet works
A new control tower, connecting tunnel and stilling basin are planned on the dam’s left abutment. The existing tower is to be retired after the new system becomes operational.
← Lake conditionsOfficial-source project guide
Rough River Dam Safety Modification Project
What Phase 2 and the 490-foot summer-pool target mean for residents, homeowners and people planning a lake day.
Last reviewed September 8, 2026Phase 2 underway
Latest reviewed milestone
Groundbreaking held July 21, 2026
USACE awarded the Phase 2 contract in December 2025 and says the main construction phase is expected to take approximately six to eight years.
Official milestone announcement ↗The work
What Phase 2 includes
The project is intended to provide permanent risk reduction for downstream communities.
Full-depth cutoff wall
USACE plans a cutoff wall across the dam crest, varying from about 75 to 180 feet deep, to address risk associated with the foundation and karst geology.
Highway 79 returns
The final portion of Phase 2 includes moving Kentucky Highway 79 back to the top of the dam.
Why it is happening
Long-term work on the dam foundation
The project follows an evaluation that identified unacceptable risk connected to the dam foundation and its karst geology. Phase 1 reduced risk through drilling, grouting and relocation of the crest road. USACE says continued monitoring showed ongoing foundation deterioration, making Phase 2 necessary for permanent risk reduction.
Read the official project overview ↗What TARR will not guess
Daily work schedules, blasting dates, closures, a guaranteed completion year, future changes to lake operations or whether a particular dock will remain usable.
Lake operations
The 490-foot summer-pool target
USACE identifies 490 feet as the current interim summer-pool target until long-term repairs are complete. The agency also describes a delayed seasonal fill beginning around April 1 rather than March 15.
The measures are reviewed annually and can be adjusted when necessary. That makes 490 feet the current official target—not a promise that future operations can never change.
Milestones
Project timeline
A dam-safety evaluation identified foundation-related risk.
Phase 1 drilling, grouting and crest-road relocation were completed.
Additional interim risk-reduction measures were implemented.
USACE awarded the Phase 2 base construction contract.
USACE held a public project update meeting at the state park lodge.
The official Phase 2 groundbreaking was held.
USACE anticipates approximately six to eight years of Phase 2 construction; this is not a guaranteed completion date.
Follow the facts
Official updates & local context
Lake, dock & property questions
Rough River Lake Project Office(270) 257-206114957 Falls of Rough Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119-6318Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Hours may vary; call ahead.LRL-Pagemaster-GRR@usace.army.milDam-project questions
Louisville District Public Affairs(502) 315-6766RRLDamRehab@usace.army.millrl-pao@usace.army.milFor current project status, traffic and construction questions.USACEDam Safety Modification Project page↗USACEJuly 2026 groundbreaking announcement↗USACE mapSummer Pool Elevation Viewer↗USACERough River Lake official Facebook updates↗
Today at Rough River is not an official USACE publication. For safety decisions and the latest official status, use the linked USACE sources or contact the appropriate office directly.
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