Chittenden Locks large chamber limited to half lockages, small lock closed

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks large chamber is limited to half lockages because of an emergent power outage.

Maintenance crews are working to restore power and lock wall crews are working to get vessels through as efficiently as possible.

Until officials provide notice of full large lock operation, vessels longer than 375 feet should contact the tower before heading to the locks.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks small chamber is also closed to marine traffic, with reopening possible by September 13.

Operators removed the small lock from operation September 4 to make needed unscheduled repairs.

All vessels will use the large lock and boaters should be prepared with appropriate equipment and crew. Large lock requirements include 50-foot-long lines and fenders on board. Current locking through information is available at https://go.usa.gov/xV9qs. Mariners may experience delays, depending on passage demand.

Nearly all recreational vessels can transit through the large lock, with the exception of un-motorized vessels, such as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, which won’t be able to lock through until the small lock re-opens. 

Most machinery and equipment, including gates and valves, are original to the 100-year-old facility. 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.

For updates and more information about the Chittenden Locks, follow on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks and www.twitter.com/chittendenlocks.