The
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard will close to all marine traffic for 12.5
hours beginning 6 p.m., May 5 and May 12.
The
two overnight closures are needed to perform electrical upgrades. Most
electrical systems at the 98-year-old locks are outdated and the upgrades will
improve reliability, said Operations Project Manager Nate McGowan.
The
Locks are operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and
according to McGowan dates and 6 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. times were selected due to low-use.
The
closure will not affect pedestrian use or traffic at the Locks or Carl S.
English Jr. Botanical Garden, although some buildings and restrooms, may close
if upgrades affect those areas.
For current information about activities at the Locks, visit the
Locks’ Web site at http://bit.ly/BallardLocks or
follow the Locks on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks and http://twitter.com/ChittendenLocks.
Release no. 15-013