DAMS, LOCKS, CANALS & RESERVOIRS
BUILDING THE NATION’S WATER-CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE
Thalle Construction Company builds the heavy-civil structures that keep America moving forward. From major dams and navigation locks to reservoirs and canal systems, we deliver the backbone of the nation’s water infrastructure with unmatched expertise and craftsmanship. These are complex, high-risk projects that demand disciplined coordination, proven experience, and the ability to perform in challenging environments—and that is where Thalle excels. We take on the difficult sites, the aggressive schedules, and the technically demanding scopes that others avoid, bringing precision, safety, and reliability to every stage of construction.
Our work goes beyond concrete and earthwork—it strengthens communities, protects vital resources, and supports the flow of commerce across the country. With transparent project management, innovative solutions, and a relentless commitment to quality, Thalle ensures that every structure we build is engineered for resilience and long-term performance. Whether enhancing navigation routes, increasing water storage capacity, or reinforcing flood-control systems, we deliver infrastructure that powers economies, safeguards people, and preserves the nation’s waterways for generations to come.
GALLERY OF PROJECTS
CASE STUDY
KENTUCKY LOCKS - PHASE 2, DOWNSTREAM MONOLITHS
Downstream Monoliths is the current phase of the Kentucky Lock project, a multi-phase effort located in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, at Mile 22.4 of the Tennessee River. This work, awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), involves constructing the remaining portion of the new 110' x 1200' navigation lock on the landward side of the existing 110' x 600' lock. The first phase, known as Upstream Monoliths, was awarded to Thalle Construction Company and completed on May 29, 2017. Thalle is proud to continue its strong partnership with the USACE on this critical infrastructure project.
Originally completed in the 1940s, the Kentucky Lock and Dam is undergoing this major expansion to improve navigation efficiency on the Tennessee River. The new lock, twice the length of the original, will significantly reduce wait times and increase capacity for transporting essential commodities. The USACE ranks this as the third highest priority lock project in the nation.
Thalle's work includes developing the infrastructure to support the project: upgrading off-site substations and power lines, erecting five tower cranes, operating an on-site concrete plant capable of producing 375,000 cubic yards of concrete, and building conveyors, formwork shops, and aggregate storage. The structure will be built in 5' vertical lifts across 52 monolith sections, reaching over 100 feet in height.
Over five years, Thalle will place more than 1,000 concrete lifts. The company will manage all aspects of construction—including safety and quality—and will partner with local carpenter and labor unions to assemble a workforce of more than 300 full-time teammates to deliver the project successfully.
