NASHVILLE (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $106 million contract to Bauer Foundation Corp. of Florida to install a barrier wall at Center Hill Dam.

The structure, in DeKalb County, has been identified by the corps as a high-risk dam due to foundation seepage.

The work is to take 2½ years. Project manager Linda Adcock said the barrier will improve the long-term reliability of the dam and public safety.

Most of the construction will be done below ground. Highway 96 across the dam is projected to remain open during the work.