SEATTLE – The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks small chamber will close to marine traffic noon, March 6 through 5 p.m., March 17.
Crews will conduct maintenance and safety inspections during the small chamber closure. Foot traffic will not be affected and the large lock will continue around-the-clock operations for vessels. Lock wall staff will get commercial traffic through as quickly as possible.
All pleasure boats will use the large lock and boaters should be prepared with appropriate equipment and crew. Large lock requirements include long lines and fenders on board. Current locking through information is available at http://bit.ly/BoaterInfo. Mariners may experience delays, depending on passage demand.
Most machinery and equipment, including gates and valves, are original to the 100-year-old facility. The annual closure gives dam safety experts and maintenance staff the chance to dry out the chambers for thorough inspections and to make necessary repairs. The routine maintenance is important to project safety and continued operation during the locks Centennial year.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates the Chittenden Locks. The busiest in the nation, nearly 50,000 vessels lock through each year.
There are many events being coordinated by the Corps, and other agencies and groups to mark the Centennial. Get the latest event schedule at www.makingthecut100.org. For updates and more information about the Chittenden Locks, follow on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks and www.twitter.com/chittendenlocks.
Release no. 17-008