We would like to provide an update on the Fort Laramie Canal
Tunnel 2 Rehabilitation Project and the progress being made at the site.
Significant work has been completed over the past several months, and crews
continue moving forward on multiple phases of construction.
To date, crews have completed major excavation activities at
the Tunnel 2 inlet and outlet areas, installed slope stabilization systems, and
completed substantial temporary shotcrete work to stabilize the excavation
walls during construction. The shotcrete currently visible on the excavation
faces is temporary and will ultimately be covered or replaced as permanent
structural components are completed. In addition, the Tunnel 2 inlet structure
has now been completed.
At the outlet structure, crews have reached final grade and
have been actively tying reinforcing steel, building structural wall forms, and
preparing for major concrete pours. Work is progressing simultaneously on
several sections of the outlet transition structure, and the site continues to
take shape each week. In addition, crews have also started preparing portions
of the Tunnel 1 outlet laydown area in order to stay ahead on future phases of
the overall project.
While substantial progress has been made, the project has
experienced some unforeseen challenges. During excavation and stabilization
work, crews encountered areas of loose sandy material that have continued to
ravel and slough off the excavation walls. These ground conditions have made it
more difficult and time consuming to properly install and shoot shotcrete in
certain locations while maintaining safe working conditions.
As a result of these conditions, portions of the work have
taken longer than originally anticipated, which has impacted the initial
construction schedule. At this time, the originally anticipated June 15th
completion target will be adjusted, with project operations potentially being
pushed back to June 29th at the soonest.
The contractor, engineers, and Goshen Irrigation District
continue working closely together to minimize delays while ensuring the project
is completed safely and correctly. We understand the importance of the
irrigation season and are making every effort to advance construction as
efficiently as possible.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as this
critical rehabilitation project moves forward. Additional updates will continue
to be provided as progress continues.
GID currently has approximately 76,385 acre-feet (AF) of water in storage, which equates to approximately 56 days for the district, as of June 4th, and is tentatively planning to start water at Whalen on June 29th. This equates to an estimated allocation of approximately 0.70 acre-feet per acre. To help stretch the limited supply and maximize irrigation days, delivery rates may need to average around 0.80 CFS per 100 acres, which is roughly equal to 1 CFS per 120 acres.
Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Major Milestone for Regional Water Infrastructure.
On October 28, 2025, the Goshen Irrigation District , in partnership with Gering Fort Laramie Irrigation District, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the launch of the Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Rehabilitation Project.
The event began with a project overview at the Goshen Irrigation District office in Torrington, followed by a site visit to Tunnel 2 inlet along the Fort Laramie Canal. Attendees included local and state officials, engineering and construction partners, and community members who gather to commemorate the start of a project that will restore and reinforce a vital irrigation system serving thousands of acres of farmland across Wyoming and Nebraska.
Speakers at the event reflected on the 2019 collapse of Tunnel No. 2, which disrupted agricultural operations and underscored the importance of resilient infrastructure. Remarks from representatives of the irrigation districts, the bureau of reclamation, and the Select Water Committee emphasized the collaborative spirit and technical expertise that made the project possible.
Following the ceremonial shovel turn at the project site, guests returned to the Goshen Irrigation District office for luncheon and community networking.
The Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Rehabilitation Project represents a significant investment in agricultural productivity, water security, and regional resilience. Construction will begin soon, with continued support from local, state, and federal partners.
For more information, please contact:
Goshen Irrigation District
Kevin Strecker, Manager
Phone: 307-532-7031
Email: kevin.strecker@goshenirrigation.com