Belarus has commenced a large-scale reconstruction of the spillway dam and modernization of the Gonoles hydroelectric station at the Zaslavskoye reservoir. The project, managed by the state utility Minskvodokanal and general contractor Gordorstroy, involves structural repairs to the dam alongside critical equipment upgrades.
Engineering assessments for the modernization began in 2016 when inspections identified significant wear in reinforced concrete structures and bank reinforcements. Technical teams also noted the clogging of filtration drainage systems. To facilitate the cleaning of these systems, authorities artificially lowered the reservoir level by one meter in early 2024, though water volumes have since returned to seasonal averages.
While capital repairs on such hydraulic facilities typically require a total drainage of the reservoir, engineers have selected a phased approach to preserve the site’s status as a recreational area. The Gonoles facility continues to generate electricity during the construction process. The technical scope of the project includes the full replacement of hydro turbines, the renewal of gates, and the restoration of concrete supports.
Contractors are currently constructing a temporary cofferdam to isolate the work zone from the main body of water. This earthen structure is 70 percent complete and will reach a length of 830 meters and a height of 12 meters. Once the dam is fully isolated, specialists will perform a detailed inspection of the infrastructure to identify defects before beginning the primary structural repairs.
Heavy machinery movement has led to the temporary closure of pedestrian routes between the local railway station and the shoreline. Project managers stated that these restrictions are necessary for public safety and expect to restore access to beach areas by the start of the summer season. Additionally, technicians have inspected the hydraulic system of a nearby rowing canal, with a test launch of water circulation scheduled for May.