In the News

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to replace the miter gates at Lock and Dam 3 near Red Wing and Lock and Dam 4 near Alma, Wis.

The agency announced that it awarded an $18 million contract to G&G Steel Inc. of Russellville, Ala., for the fabrication of the new miter gates.

The original miter gates are from the 1930s. Over time, the gates have been damaged and distressed, which led to serviceability issues, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. The new gates will increase navigational longevity and operational readiness in support of the economically significant navigation infrastructure.

The Lock 3 miter gates are scheduled to be delivered in July 2029 for installation that summer, according to the Army Corps. The Lock 4 miter gates are scheduled to be delivered in July 2028 for installation that summer.

Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers also announced that it has awarded a $10 million contract to Three Oaks Construction Inc. from North Sioux City, S.D., to construct a protective island upstream from the embankment at Lock and Dam 2 near Hastings.

The goal of the protective island is to safeguard the existing embankment on the upstream, windward side acting as a buffer from wind and wave erosion. The island will be constructed using nearby river material from the 9-foot navigation channel that will feature various heights above the typical pool elevation to provide habitat benefits including tall grasses, tree plantings, a wetland, rock features and an overwintering fish habitat, according to the announcement.

The work on the island is scheduled to begin in spring 2025 and be completed in fall 2027.