Lunda Construction Secures $60.2M Contract for Rothschild Dam Modernization
Tutor Perini Corporation , one of the nation’s leading civil, building, and specialty construction companies, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lunda Construction Company, has secured a major contract from Domtar Paper Company, LLC (“Domtar”) valued at approximately $60.2 million. The project involves construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) services for the large-scale modernization of the Rothschild Dam in Rothschild, Wisconsin.
This award represents a significant milestone for Lunda Construction, which has built a reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects across the Midwest and beyond. For Domtar, a global leader in fiber-based products, the investment in dam modernization underscores its commitment to ensuring long-term operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship in the communities where it operates.
Project Overview and Investment Scope
The Rothschild Dam Modernization Project carries an estimated total project cost of approximately $84 million. This figure incorporates Lunda’s contracted services, which account for the largest share of the project, as well as other related and anticipated costs including engineering, permitting, environmental compliance measures, and contingency allowances.
Located in Rothschild, Wisconsin, the dam has been a critical structure supporting industrial operations, energy generation, and local water management. The modernization effort will replace the aging timber dam with a new state-of-the-art concrete structure, designed to enhance safety, performance, and sustainability.
Detailed Scope of Work
Lunda Construction’s responsibilities under the CM/GC arrangement will encompass a comprehensive range of activities that are central to the successful delivery of the new dam. These include:
- Demolition of Existing Timber Dam – The current timber-crib structure has reached the end of its service life, requiring complete removal. The demolition will be carried out in a phased, controlled manner to ensure minimal environmental impact and to maintain river management functions throughout construction.
- River Diversion and Cofferdams – Temporary cofferdams will be installed to divert the flow of the Wisconsin River during construction. This critical phase will provide safe and dry working conditions, while also ensuring that downstream water quality and aquatic habitats remain protected.
- Deep Foundations and Structural Support – Installation of new deep foundations, likely consisting of driven piles or drilled shafts, will provide long-term stability and structural integrity for the dam. This work is essential given the dynamic hydraulic forces the structure will be subjected to once operational.
- Placement of Reinforced Concrete – At the core of the new dam will be large volumes of reinforced concrete, designed and placed to meet stringent durability and load-bearing requirements. The new concrete structure will be engineered for a service life spanning decades.
- Construction of a Control Building – A modern control facility will be constructed adjacent to the dam to house the mechanical, electrical, and automation systems that regulate dam operations. This building will integrate advanced monitoring and control technologies for real-time management of water flow, safety, and performance.
- Installation of Prefabricated Bridge – A prefabricated bridge will be incorporated into the design to provide critical access for operations and maintenance teams. Prefabrication allows for accelerated assembly on site and improved quality control.
- Dam Gate Installation – The final stage of construction will involve installing the new dam gates. These gates will provide precise regulation of river flows, supporting both industrial operations and community water management needs, while also ensuring resilience against high-water events.
Project Timeline and Schedule
Construction activities officially commenced in July 2025. The project is expected to proceed through multiple carefully planned phases over the course of nearly four years. Substantial completion is anticipated in early 2029, marking the transition to final commissioning, testing, and turnover of the new facility.
Key milestones in the schedule are expected to include:
- 2025–2026: Site preparation, initial demolition activities, and installation of river diversion cofferdams.
- 2026–2027: Foundation work, including pile driving and deep foundation installation, followed by the first concrete placements.
- 2027–2028: Continued concrete construction, control building erection, and prefabricated bridge installation.
- 2028–2029: Installation of new dam gates, system integration, and operational testing leading to final project delivery.
Strategic Importance of the Project
For Domtar, the modernization of the Rothschild Dam is both a practical necessity and a long-term strategic investment. Dams of this nature not only support industrial water management but also play a role in community infrastructure, environmental management, and resilience against changing weather patterns. The new structure will provide:
- Improved Safety: Replacing the outdated timber structure with reinforced concrete dramatically enhances structural integrity, reducing the risk of failure.
- Operational Reliability: Modern control systems and gates will allow precise, efficient operation under a range of conditions.
- Environmental Protection: Updated systems and construction methods are designed to minimize ecological disruption during construction and provide long-term sustainability benefits.
- Community Resilience: Enhanced flood management capabilities will benefit local communities by reducing risks during high-flow events.
Lunda Construction’s Expertise
Lunda Construction Company, headquartered in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, has a long history of delivering major infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest, including bridges, highways, and water control structures. Its selection as CM/GC underscores Domtar’s confidence in Lunda’s technical expertise, regional experience, and proven ability to manage large, complex projects.
Tutor Perini Corporation, Lunda’s parent company, brings additional resources, financial stability, and specialized knowledge to the effort. Tutor Perini has executed numerous large-scale civil works projects nationwide, reinforcing its reputation as a go-to contractor for critical infrastructure upgrades.
Economic and Community Impact
The Rothschild Dam Modernization Project is expected to deliver tangible economic benefits for the local community. Construction projects of this magnitude generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from construction trades and engineering services to equipment suppliers and material vendors.
Beyond the economic stimulus, the project will support Domtar’s continued presence as a major employer and industrial operator in Rothschild and the broader Wisconsin region. By upgrading its infrastructure, Domtar reinforces its long-term commitment to the local economy and to maintaining sustainable operations well into the future.
Addition to Tutor Perini’s Backlog
Lunda Construction’s $60.2 million contract value has already been added to Tutor Perini Corporation’s backlog in the second quarter of 2025. Tutor Perini’s backlog represents contracted work yet to be performed, and the addition of this project reflects the company’s ability to consistently secure high-value contracts across its operating segments.
The backlog not only provides visibility into future revenues but also highlights the continued demand for civil infrastructure investment across the United States. With aging infrastructure and climate resilience rising to the forefront of public and private priorities, projects like the Rothschild Dam Modernization are becoming increasingly common and essential.
