SEATTLE -- The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks large chamber opened for vessel traffic 11 a.m. April 1 after completing construction of the Stoney Gate Valve Project second phase.
The large chamber closed February 12 to replace two Stoney gate valves that are original to the 102-year-old locks. Second phase completion brings the total completed upgrades to three, half of the total gates. The Stoney gate valve system was installed more than 100 years ago and the new gates have the same life expectancy.
The next scheduled closure to replace the Stoney gate valves is October 12 through December 3.
The valves being replaced are under water and require the chamber be drained to replace them. They open and close, letting the water in and out of the chambers to raise and lower vessels. They are named after their inventor, Irish engineer Bindon B. Stoney.
For more information about scheduled and projected Chittenden Lock closures visit https://go.usa.gov/xVtpE. For closures and other activities visit the Locks’ Web site at http://bit.ly/BallardLocks. Also follow the Locks on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks and http://twitter.com/ChittendenLocks.
Release no. 20-016