Despite a harsh winter and cold start to spring, Ames Construction crews at the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project are nearing a significant milestone now heading into year four of work.

Vern Cochran with Missouri River Energy Services tells KNIA/KRLS News the powerhouse structure on the downstream side is almost enclosed, which will allow workers to progress faster on completing the interior of the building and the power turbines.

“Our big feat that’s going to happen in the next week or two is that we’re going to be topped out on our walls, so that’s a big milestone for us and then we can start putting the roof on, and once the roof goes on, then we can start installing all of our turbine components and electric components inside,” he says.

He says they plan to ramp up construction on the intake structure later this spring and through the summer as well.

Overall, after some delays related to weather and permits, Missouri River Energy Services estimates the Red Rock Hydroelectric power plant could be operational by Fall 2019. When completed, it could provide enough electricity for approximately 18,000 homes.