Henderson Lake Water Control Structure Repair Project

Location: Butte LaRose, Louisiana
Dates: August 2024 – Ongoing

Huval & Associates, Inc. prepared comprehensive repair plans for the Henderson Lake Water Control Structure in St. Martin Parish to address significant deterioration of the radial gates, deck plates, support framing, and associated operational components. Field assessments revealed extensive corrosion, failed and missing steel members, punctured and detached deck plates, and heavy debris buildup across both the near (west) and far (east) gates. These deficiencies created unsafe conditions for maintenance personnel and adversely affected gate performance.

To restore the structure, Huval developed a detailed repair scope that included full and partial deck plate replacement, replacement of tube steel and angles at damaged framing locations, welded repairs to deteriorated skin plates, support bar replacement, and nosing rehabilitation. The work also included complete cleaning and refurbishment of accessible steel components, installation of new hydraulic lines, and replacement of the Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU).

Due to the location and nature of the structure, water-level management was a continuous challenge. Contractors were required to coordinate closely with the parish to maintain stable water elevations in Henderson Lake, ensuring gate stability during steel removal, protecting the structure, and accommodating fluctuating environmental conditions throughout construction.

The completed repairs restored the structural integrity and operational reliability of the control structure. The new steel components, improved deck surfaces, refurbished support framing, and removal of obstructive debris collectively extended the service life of the radial gates while improving long-term maintenance access and hydraulic performance.

Additionally, an alternate concrete curb and steel cover are being installed to prevent debris from entering the open gate cells, which previously hindered full gate opening and disrupted operations.