The first stage of replacing Tunnel No. 2 on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal has been completed. The stage of construction was on the inlet and outlets of Tunnel No. 2 to facilitate the actual removal/replacement of the tunnel, which is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2026.
Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Tunnel No. 2 Outlet Construction East Wall
This fall, the purpose built digger shield/boring machine will be assembled on site and start work on the outlet end of the tunnel, progressing up the tunnel to the inlet. The old tunnel will be bored out to a larger size than the existing tunnel, removing it and any construction timbers from the initial 1917 construction. As the tunnel excavation progresses in five-foot increments, the old tunnel and surrounding substrate will be removed. Pre-cast, reinforced concrete sections will be installed and bolted together, forming the new tunnel walls as work progresses up the tunnel. The void between the outer surface of the new tunnel wall and the tunnel substrate will be filled with grout.
The scheduled phases of construction for 2026-2027 include the Replacement of Tunnel No. 2 and the removal and reconstruction of Tunnel No. 1 inlet and outlet. The 2027-2028 construction season would be the removal and replacement of Tunnel No. 1.
Irrigation water deliveries on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal began as soon as practicable after construction was completed. Irrigation water deliveries for the three main irrigation districts in the North Platte River Valley in the Panhandle for the 2026 irrigation season are expected to be 30-40 days. An “average” water delivery period would be around 70-90 days.
