Markland Lock and Dam Miter Gate Experiences Catastrophic Failure
Waterways Council, Inc. Press Release
28 September 2009
The lower miter gate leaves on the 1,200' chamber at Markland Lock and
Dam have experienced a catastrophic failure. One leaf is laying
in the river, the other leaf has a broken strut arm. The cause of the
failure is unknown.
Commercial tows are double-locking through the auxiliary (600-foot)
chamber and have been since around 17:00:00 last evening. Seven
tows were locked through between 17:00:00 last night and this morning.
According to the Corps. “The way ahead for repairs and re-opening the
main lock chamber for commercial traffic will depend upon the condition
of the two lock gate leafs (one in the River and one still hanging on
the lock wall). The project will place stoplogs upstream and down
from the damaged gates and dewater and assess the damage and condition
of the gates and support structure.”
More updates will be forwarded as they become available.