US Army Corps Helps $2.1 billion Dam Reconstruction
View SourceA $2.1 billion reconstruction project is underway to repair the the aging Montgomery Locks and Dam on the Ohio River.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is working alongside contractors to carry out essential repairs to 11 concrete piers, which they hope will extend the dam's lifespan by 50 years.
The teams will be working on the project for around a year and the aim is for the restoration to lay the groundwork for more major construction projects in the future.
The Pittsburgh District is repairing concrete on all 11 piers at the Montgomery Locks and Dam, a project expected to take about a year. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District© U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District
Built nearly 90 years ago, the dam requires regular maintenance to ensure the long-term stability of its piers, with the last round of repairs completed in 2022.
Located 32 miles away from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Montgomery consists of a 600ft long commercial barge lock and an auxiliary lock for recreational use.
The restoration work is crucial in allowing the smooth passage of around 15 to 20 million tons of materials which travel through this river network annually.
Contractors will replace the existing auxiliary chamber, which is 56-feet wide and 360-feet long, with a larger lock measuring 110 by 600 feet.
This new lock is a crucial component of the multibillion-dollar Upper Ohio Navigation Project, which will also include upgrades to the Emsworth and Dashields locks and dams.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working with contractors to repair the Montgomery Locks and Dam on the Ohio River as part of a $2.1 billion reconstruction project. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District© U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District
New images captured this week show workers addressing structural damage on the dam, which if left untouched would result in months of disruption to the river network.
The initiative aims to strengthen the dam's resilience amid changing weather patterns.
Towboats are an effective way to transport commodities. Each one on the Pittsburgh network can push up to 15 barges at once, transporting the same amount of material as 70 large semi-trucks or 16 rail cars, according to U.S Army statistics.
