The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) is a long-term international science project that will be built at Fermilab in Batavia as well as at our location in Lead, South Dakota. We are committed to keeping our neighbors informed with project updates, construction information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Community updates are shared regularly with the Fermilab Community Advisory Board, which meets on the Fermilab site in Batavia, Illinois. You can read the latest news by subscribing to the free monthly Fermilab Frontiers newsletter, following Fermilab on social media or bookmarking our newsroom for the most recent stories on the project.
Groundbreaking for the Illinois portion of LBNF took place on Nov. 14, 2019. Pre-construction work began in 2020, followed by additional site preparation near Kirk and Giese roads between November 2023 and April 2024. Before that work began, the project team presented plans to the Fermilab Community Advisory Board, mailed information to nearby residents and provided an update to the Batavia City Council. Articles and photos documenting each phase of the work are available below.
Construction of the new research facility at Fermilab is expected to begin in the near future. Prior to the commencement of that work, Fermilab will reach out to local communities to provide updates and information.
Related resources
We welcome your questions and comments:
At Fermilab
Rae Moss
+ 1 630-840-3729
Environmental assessment
With the help of a number of technical experts, including independent consultants assisted by Fermilab and Sanford Lab staff, the U.S. Department of Energy prepared an environmental assessment to determine what impacts LBNF and DUNE construction and operation might have on human health and environment.
Public meetings were held on June 17, 2015 in Lead, South Dakota, June 18, 2015 in Rapid City, South Dakota, and June 24, 2015 in Batavia, Illinois.
For more information, visit the Environmental assessment webpage.