Lower Monumental navigation lock closes to river traffic for repairs

Published Sept. 9, 2011

KAHLOTUS, Wash. – Lower Monumental Dam’s navigation lock will close to commercial and recreational vessels during three separate periods between Sept. 12 and Oct. 4, operations officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District announced today.

The lock closure is necessary to restore the protective coating system on the downstream lock gate. The coating system below the waterline needs to be reapplied, before the inclement weather of fall and winter begins, to prevent damage to the steel gate structure, according to officials at the dam, located at Snake River Mile 41.6.

The three closure periods are detailed as follows:

Sept. 12 - Lock closes to river traffic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sept. 28-30 - Lock closes to river traffic beginning at 8 a.m. on Sept. 28 and reopens Sept. 30 at 8 p.m.

Oct.1-4 - Lock closes to river traffic from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Each day during this scheduled work period, the lock will be available to commercial vessels from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Operations officials do not anticipate that this navigation lock repair work will affect public vehicle crossings at the dam. However, travelers should keep in mind that suspension of dam crossings may be implemented at any time for extended periods due to operational needs, maintenance or construction-related activities or a change in security conditions at a dam. Travelers can call 1-888-DAM-INFO (1-888-326-4636) for the most current dam-crossing information.

Public Notices and other navigation lock information are available on the Walla Walla District website at www.nww.usace.army.mil/html/offices/op/t/navdata/default.html.

-30-


Contact

or
Public Affairs
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 11-127