STARBUCK, Wash. – Little Goose Lock and Dam reopened for public vehicle crossings today, following 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.
Out of safety concerns for both vessels operators using the lock and travelers using the bridge to cross the dam, maintenance staff at the dam placed the bridge out of service July 20 when they identified mechanical issues with the motor that operates the bridge. The bridge was secured in an upright position until a new motor could be procured and installed. Corps staff coordinated with commercial navigators to minimize repair schedule impacts.
Little Goose Lock and Dam is open for public vehicle crossings once an hour, on the half-hour, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and closed on federal holidays unless otherwise announced. 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 buses must contact the dam at 509-399-2233, extensions 227, 231 or 253, at least 24 hours in advance for crossing authorization.
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 18 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 sight-see during escorted crossings. Pedestrian traffic across the dam is not allowed because of safety considerations.
Operations officials note there could still be closures. The district may, at any time, close access to traffic for extended periods of time due to operations, maintenance or construction-related activities at a dam. A change in security conditions could also terminate public access across the dam until such time as threat levels decrease. The public will be notified about closures, if possible, in advance, but the crossing is still subject to closing at any time. Travelers can call 1-888-DAM-INFO (1-888-326-4636) for the most current dam-crossing information.
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Release no. UNRELEASED