The first stage of replacing Tunnel No. 2 on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal has been completed. This phase focused on the inlet and outlets of Tunnel No. 2 to prepare for the full tunnel removal/replacement, which is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.
This fall, crews will assemble the purpose-built digger shield/boring machine on-site and begin work on the outlet end of the tunnel, progressing up the tunnel to the inlet. The old tunnel will be bored to a larger diameter 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.
Scheduled construction for 2026-27 includes replacement of Tunnel No. 2 and removal and reconstruction of the Tunnel No. 1 inlet and outlet. Removal and replacement of Tunnel No. 1 is scheduled for the 2027-28 construction season.
A more detailed review of the tunnel replacements can be found in the 2026 Yonts Water Conference livestream.
Irrigation water deliveries on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal began as soon as conditions allowed 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.
Complete background and history of the tunnel collapse and canal breach can be found on CropWatch’s canal irrigation page.
