By Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Water and Crops Educater, Jessica Groskopf | Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economics Cropping Systems Educator, John Thomas | Nebraska Extension Water and Crops Educator, Dr. Xin Qiao | Nebraska Extension Water Irrigation Specialist
When water deliveries on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie main line canal ended for the 2025 growing season, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 28, signaling the start of work to replace Tunnel No. 2. Updates on the progress and timeline of the work were presented at the Yonts Water Conference by personnel from the Gering-Fort Laramie Irrigation District and HDR Engineering. To view the conference recording visit https://go.unl.edu/yonts.
The work this winter has been to remove the old entrance and exit outlets of Tunnel No. 2 and replace them with new structures. The new structures will allow the “digger shield” a base to push off of during initial tunnel replacement. Replacement of the tunnel will begin at the exit entrance and work its way up the tunnel to the entrance portal the fall of 2026. The digger shield is being special purpose built for this project in Omaha.
Permanent access ramps into the canal are also being constructed at the entrance and exits of the tunnel. These will allow safe access for the digger shield, the delivery of the new tunnel replacement sections and the removal of the old tunnel debris.