STARBUCK, Wash. – Public vehicle traffic across Little Goose Lock and Dam is temporarily suspended to allow repair of the upstream bascule bridge crossing the navigation lock, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, operations officials at the dam.
Maintenance staff at the dam placed the bridge out of service today when they identified mechanical issues with the motor that operates the bridge. The bridge opens draw-bridge-style to allow vessels access to the navigation lock. Out of safety concerns for both vessels operators using the lock and travelers using the bridge to cross the dam, the bridge will remain in its open position and public vehicle crossings suspended until bridge-operating equipment can be repaired, said Little Goose Dam’s Chief of Operations Jeanette Wilson.
Corps staff are coordinating with commercial navigators to minimize repair schedule impacts. Vehicle travelers are encouraged to check the dam-crossing information line for updates 1-888-DAM-INFO (1-888-326-4636).
Access to the south shore tailrace park, picnic area and river walk at the downstream end of the navigation lock remains open to the public, as well as Little Goose Landing, located one mile upstream of the dam. The nearest bridge across the Snake River is located about 8 miles northwest of Starbuck, Washington, on Highway 261, between Lyons Ferry Marina and Lyon Ferry State Park.
Public Notices and other navigation lock information are available on the Walla Walla District website at http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation.aspx.
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Release no. 16-052