Lake Tillery
| Company type | Public utility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy (hydroelectric power) |
| Headquarters | Charlotte , United States |
| Products | Hydroelectric power |
| Parent | Duke Energy Progress Inc |
| Website | www |
Lake Tillery is an artificial lake situated entirely within the boundaries of Stanly and Montgomery counties in North Carolina's Uwharrie Lakes Region. This reservoir was created by damming the Pee Dee River, which itself forms at the junction of the Yadkin and Uwharrie rivers. Serving a vital function in local water resource management and recreational activities, the lake is closely associated with the nearby town of Norwood, which promotes itself as the "Gateway to Lake Tillery."
James B. Garrison Bridge
The James B. Garrison Bridge represents the only river crossing over the Pee Dee-Yadkin River between Badin Lake and Norwood, facilitating traffic on North Carolina Highways 24, 27, and 73 as it connects Stanly County to Montgomery County. This bridge runs alongside the older Swift Island Bridge, a single-lane concrete arch structure constructed in 1922.
Following the creation of the 5,000-acre reservoir behind the new dam, Carolina Power & Light (currently Duke Energy Progress Inc) transferred ownership of the older bridge to the U.S. military for demolition testing purposes. Initial efforts involving static loads, explosives, and artillery were unsuccessful; ultimately, detonation of approximately one ton of TNT was necessary to dismantle the bridge.
Tillery Dam
Completed in 1928 as a hydroelectric power station with an 87-megawatt capacity, Tillery Dam is operated and owned by Duke Energy. The dam measures 86 feet in height and extends 2,800 feet in length, equipped with four generators that boost operational efficiency at Duke Energy’s Blewett Hydroelectric Plant located roughly 25 miles downstream.
During licensing hearings in 2008, the Southern Environmental Law Center contested Duke Energy's proposed minimum flow rates for the 20-mile segment between Tillery and Blewett dams. The organization contended that these flow levels could lead to violations of water quality regulations, negatively impact aquatic habitats, and interfere with recreational boating activities.