Corps dams closed to vehicle crossings on holidays; Travelers should plan alternate routes across Snake River

Published Dec. 13, 2011

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – If your upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holiday plans include a road trip to visit family and friends on the opposite side of the lower Snake River, you may want to keep in mind that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dams are closed to cross-dam public vehicle traffic on federal holidays, unless otherwise announced.

Lower Granite Lock and Dam, near Pomeroy, Wash., will be closed to public vehicle crossings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Public vehicles will be allowed to cross the dam during regularly scheduled times on all other days during the traditional end-of-year holiday period – open for traffic crossings daily, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – including the designated Monday federal holidays on Dec. 26, 2011, and Jan. 2, 2012. Tour and school busses must contact the dam at 509-843-1493 at least 24 hours in advance for crossing authorization.

Little Goose Lock and Dam, near Starbuck, Wash., will be closed for public vehicle crossings on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Crossings will resume their regular schedule on all other days during the traditional end-of-year holiday period – open for crossings once an hour, on the half-hour, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Crossing times are 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 in the morning, and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 in the afternoon. Tour and school busses must contact the dam at 509-399-2233, extensions 227, 231 or 252, at least 24 hours in advance for crossing authorization. The schedule will resume crossings on Mondays beginning Jan. 9, 2012.

Lower Monumental Lock and Dam, near Kahlotus, Wash., will be closed for public vehicle crossings on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Crossings will resume their regular schedule on all other days during the traditional end-of-year holiday period – open for crossings once an hour, on the half-hour, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Crossing times are 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 in the morning, and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 in the afternoon. If approaching from the south shore, travelers can reach the security guard for crossing escort by calling #228 on the phone at south gate. Tour and school busses must contact the dam 24 hours in advance for authorization 509-282-3219/3218.  The schedule will resume crossings on Mondays beginning Jan. 9, 2012.

At all three dams, passenger cars, motorcycles, open trucks, recreation vehicles, small vans and farm equipment, with the exception of fuel trucks, will be allowed to cross. Large, commercial vehicles, trucks, vehicles hauling flammable or explosive cargo and vehicles that cannot be easily searched will not be allowed to cross the dams.  All vehicles crossing Corps dams are subject to a search. Photo identification is required for all vehicle occupants 16 years of age and older.  All firearms must be unloaded and declared at the gate. Security guards are authorized to perform detailed vehicle searches and deny vehicle access across the dam. Drivers may not stop their vehicles to take pictures or sightsee during crossings. Pedestrian traffic across the dam is not allowed because of safety considerations.

Operations officials note the district may, at any time, close access to traffic for extended periods of time due to operations, maintenance or construction-related activities, or a change in security conditions at a dam. If possible, the public will be notified about closures in advance.

Photo identification, vehicle searches and other previously listed requirements are standard policy for the public to cross at Walla Walla District dams. Travelers can call 1-888-DAM-INFO (1-888-326-4636) for the most current dam-crossing information.                                                                 

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Release no. 11-161