A new Approach to Dam Construction. See Green river Lock 2
The most intriguing thing about the repairing of Dam Nine is the new design. Previous constructions on the Kentucky River used coffer dams to keep the water away from the work area.

Similar to the way demonstrated in the photo above. The new construction will not need coffer dams. The plan is to use cylinders filled with concrete across the river, below . 

The drawing above shows how cylinders will lineup across the river to form the dam. The photo below is an a dam in a different state using the cylinder construction.

I don't know the state in which the photo was taken. If you know email me. The new approach is hopefully faster, stronger and cheaper.