SEATTLE -- The Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks’ large chamber will close to all vessel traffic 5:30 a.m. March 22, and remain closed until 5:00p.m., March 27.
The small chamber will remain open during this time and vessels up to 28-feet wide by 123-feet long are able to use it.
The closure is necessary for a warranty inspection for the Stoney Gate Valve Replacement Project, during which time officials will dewater the large lock and do a final check on the work that had been done. The Locks originally had a fourth extended closure scheduled in early 2021 but that extra closure is no longer needed.
“This is an important final step in the project,” said Operations Project Manager Jon Hofstra. “This will ensure the work met the quality standards outlined by the contract.”
The new gate valves are underwater during regular operations and seal off the 8-feet-6-inch wide by 14-feet tall filling
A contract to replace the original large lock chamber’s 102-year-old filling culvert gates at the Locks in Ballard was awarded by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials September 10, 2018. Ferndale, Washington- headquartered IMCO received the contract award for their $10.5 million bid. The project will replace the original valves, called Stoney Gate Valves, designed and originally used during the Panama Canal construction.
For more information about scheduled and projected Chittenden Lock closures visit https://go.usa.gov/xVtpE. Also follow the Locks on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks and http://twitter.com/ChittendenLocks.
Release no. 20-127