The Rothschild Dam in Wisconsin has long stood as a vital piece of infrastructure supporting industrial operations, recreational activities, and regional water management. Originally commissioned in 1911, the dam was constructed to provide hydroelectric power for the Marathon Paper Mills, a cornerstone of Rothschild's early economic development. Its creation helped transform the Wisconsin River into a reliable energy source, enabling the production of the first roll of paper at the Rothschild Mill in November 1910. Over the decades, the dam has evolved from an industrial asset into a community landmark, forming Lake Wausau, now a beloved recreational hub for fishing, boating, and tourism. 

More than a century later, the dam is undergoing a major modernization effort with a total estimated project cost of $84 million. This transformative upgrade will replace the aging timber structure with a durable concrete system, ensuring the dam remains a cornerstone of the community for the next century.  

The $60.2 million contract for the project was awarded to Lunda Construction, a trusted name in heavy civil construction with a strong track record across the Midwest. Known for its expertise in complex infrastructure projects, Lunda brings decades of experience and a commitment to quality that makes them the ideal partner for this historic upgrade. Their deep foundation capabilities and familiarity with challenging water-based environments position them perfectly to execute this transformation with precision and care. 

Lunda Construction began work in July 2025, with substantial completion expected by early 2029. This landmark project includes replacing a 276-foot wood crib spillway, installing improved deep foundations, and constructing a new control building and prefabricated bridge; ensuring the dam remains a cornerstone of the community for the next century. To safely execute this work in an active waterway, temporary cofferdams are also being installed to divert river flow and create dry working conditions for demolition and foundation installation. 

To support the demanding foundation work, Lunda is utilizing a rented ICE® 22 Vibratory Hammer alongside other previously purchased ICE® deep foundation equipment from its own fleet. Compact yet powerful, the ICE® 22 is engineered for precision pile driving in confined or sensitive environments, making it particularly effective for the sheet piles required in cofferdam construction. Its high-frequency design reduces vibration transmission to surrounding structures, while still delivering the driving energy needed to penetrate variable riverbed soils. This performance is critical for building cofferdams that isolate the work zone from the active river flow, allowing crews to safely demolish the old timber dam and install deep foundations in dry conditions. Outfitted with Hydrauli-Flex™ hoses, the ICE® 22 ensures consistent hydraulic performance and minimizes downtime, even during continuous operation. By pairing the rented ICE® 22 with their owned fleet, Lunda demonstrates a strategic balance of cost efficiency and capability, leveraging the hammer's reliability and adaptability to maintain momentum and uphold high standards on site.

International Construction Equipment recognizes Lunda Construction's vital role in this transformative project and commends their entire team for their continued partnership and dedication to excellence. The Rothschild community can look forward to a safer, more resilient dam thanks to Lunda's hard work and expertise. Together, we're building a legacy that will serve generations to come. 

Learn more about the ICE® 22

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Media Contact-        
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA     
Vice President     
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc    
The Hose Company       
Office - 704-821-8200     
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com