The restoration of Woodlake is hitting its stride as officials announced the completion of a major contractual milestone at the dam site and the addition of new community amenities.
“We can feel the excitement growing across the community as so much visible progress continues unfolding at the dam site,” reads a statement released by Woodlake officials. “We are extremely pleased with the quality of the work and the momentum on site and each completed step brings us one step closer to restoring our lake.”
The same statement confirms that both the upstream and downstream cofferdams are now fully complete. The structures are reportedly essential to the project’s progress, serving to protect the spillway foundation and active work zones during the rebuilding process.
With the cofferdams secured, Sequoia construction crews have transitioned into the next phase of the project. The spillway area has been fully excavated to its design depth, and crews have begun backfilling the area with approved select fill. This sets the stage for the first concrete pours that will eventually form the new dam structure.
According to the updated project timeline, completion is projected to take approximately 12 months, with an additional two to three months required for final completion and lake impoundment, pending regulatory approvals.
The 1,200-acre private lake has remained empty since 2016, following a dam breach during Hurricane Matthew. In recent years, however, the community has undergone a steady transformation.
As construction continues, Woodlake has implemented strict security measures to ensure public safety. The dam site is under 24/7 video surveillance featuring a five-camera system with 360-degree coverage and facial-recognition technology. The statement explains that these measures are necessary due to “heavy equipment, deep excavations, and constantly changing conditions.” It also issued a safety reminder to residents to avoid unauthorized vehicles on dam access roads, noting that trespassing poses serious safety risks and disrupts the construction schedule.
While the dam remains the focal point, Woodlake is also looking toward long-term growth and the creation of a master plan.Â
Atlantic National Capital (ANC) and the Woodlake Property Owners Association (POA) are finishing a targeted cleanup of the community’s front entrance and causeways. The work includes clearing overgrown vegetation and removing silt from culverts to improve drainage and mitigate flooding during heavy rains.
In the immediate term, active living options are expanding. Woodlake Country Club recently unveiled three new outdoor pickleball courts to complement its recently opened Fitness Studio.
“ANC is still actively shaping the next chapter of Woodlake through a comprehensive master planning process that looks ahead to how our marina, commercial village areas, residential neighborhoods, green spaces, and walking trails will evolve in the coming years,” explains the statement. “We are gathering inspiration from top lake communities, reviewing zoning and UDO requirements, and studying design concepts that enhance lifestyle, walkability, and natural beauty. Over the coming months, we’ll be refining these ideas into a detailed master plan presentation for release in 2026.”
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021. Photo via Woodlake.
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