Newport News Seeks Bids for $5.25 Million Little Creek Dam Rehabilitation
Project focuses on critical safety repairs, with detailed cost components allocated for construction, structural upgrades, and environmental controls

The City of Newport News is launching a $5.25 million rehabilitation of the Little Creek Dam, a high-priority infrastructure project designed to address ongoing safety concerns and restore the reservoir to full operating capacity. The project is part of the city's five-year Capital Improvement Plan and reflects its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and public safety.
Built in the early 1980s, Little Creek Dam has experienced persistent seepage and erosion issues, most notably the development of sand boils in 2020—an early warning sign of internal erosion. In response, the City implemented an emergency action plan and lowered the reservoir’s water level to minimize further risk. The dam has since been classified as a High Hazard structure by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation due to its potential impact on downstream communities.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Strategy
The planned improvements encompass a wide range of construction activities, with every dollar of the $5.25 million investment directed toward physical repairs and upgrades. Major components of the work include:
Seepage Control: Construction of a rockfill seepage berm and filter blanket to address internal water movement and erosion.
Structural Repairs: Rehabilitation of the dam’s concrete gatehouse and conduit, including crack repair and replacement of aging infrastructure.
Drainage System Upgrades: Removal and replacement of existing drainage features and gates to improve operational reliability.
Earthwork and Site Improvements: Excavation, riprap placement, bedding stone, and installation of a new access road along the right abutment.
Mechanical and Metal Fabrication: Installation of specialized components such as sluice gates, trashracks, and custom-fabricated knife gate valves.
The project also includes environmental protection measures like sediment and erosion controls and a site-specific water management plan to ensure safe construction practices.
Project Background and Funding
The Little Creek Reservoir is a vital raw water source for Newport News Waterworks, particularly during periods of drought. The dam’s integrity is essential to maintaining safe, consistent water supply for the city. Recognizing its importance, the City has allocated $3 million for construction in FY 2026 and an additional $2.25 million in FY 2027. No further funding is scheduled in subsequent years, underscoring the urgency of completing the work on schedule and within budget.
According to the Capital Improvement Plan, this project is key to fulfilling the city’s strategic objectives related to environmental stewardship, public safety, and infrastructure resilience. The investment is expected to allow the reservoir to return to full pool operation, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and maintain the City's Operations and Maintenance Certificate.
Safety and Resilience at the Core
The rehabilitation of Little Creek Dam is more than a construction project—it is a strategic initiative to protect the city’s water infrastructure, reduce risk to downstream communities, and ensure the continued reliability of a critical public resource. By addressing structural vulnerabilities now, Newport News is taking proactive steps to build a safer and more sustainable future.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced this post with AI and these sources:
Little Creek Dam Improvements Project - Invitation for Bids
Newport News Fy26-FY30 Capital Improvement Plan