Arkansas Completed Three Years of Lake Conway Renovation

The state's largest-ever lake project remains on track to finish in 2028 after three years of steady construction progress.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Home Renovation

Screen-print poster illustration of a concrete spillway at a reservoir, evoking the scale of the state infrastructure project in Arkansas. — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has reached the three-year mark in its massive infrastructure project to renovate the Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has reached the three-year mark in the renovation of the Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir. This five-year infrastructure initiative is the largest lake project in the history of the agency.

Why it matters

The massive reconstruction project aims to replace an aging dam with modern infrastructure, including a new auxiliary spillway. The work is designed to improve long-term water management and reservoir stability for the state.

The renovation project is the largest in the history of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Current progress includes a finished auxiliary spillway bridge and a newly delivered footbridge for the former dam site.

The players

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

This state agency is responsible for the management and protection of fish and wildlife resources within Arkansas.

The details

Construction crews took advantage of drought-induced low water levels to expedite work on the new dam and auxiliary spillway. The project successfully completed the bridge over the auxiliary spillway while a footbridge was delivered to the site of the old dam.

September 2023 marked the beginning of the renovation project.
August 2026 saw the completion of the auxiliary spillway bridge and footbridge delivery.
September 2028 is the projected date for the completion of the entire project.

Roadmap

This project represents a critical modernization of state-managed aquatic infrastructure, moving away from aging dam designs. By prioritizing high-capacity spillways, the agency is adapting to broader regional needs for durable, long-term water control systems.

Residents and visitors should note that construction activities continue to influence water access and surrounding recreation areas at the reservoir. The phased completion of bridge infrastructure aims to improve site mobility as the project moves toward its final two years.

The takeaway

Large-scale infrastructure projects require significant patience as they often span several years of phased construction. Residents can expect continued monitoring of water levels as the state works to finalize the new dam and spillway system.