USACE has launched a long-term initiative to modernize lock & dam inland and intracoastal waterways operations by implementing remote operations. Remote operations are essential to preparing for the future of navigation and will strengthen USACE’s ability to deliver its navigation mission.  USACE is committed to ensuring that remote locking will be as safe, reliable & consistent as it is today. Remote lock & dam operation is common practice in many countries today (ex. Canada, Netherlands, and Germany) and utilizes standard and secure technology and equipment already in use in several industries.

Phase 1 – National Assessment

In the national assessment, USACE evaluated the feasibility of lock and dam remote operations, developed an operational and technical framework, screening methodology, parametric costs, risks, and outlined an enterprise-wide implementation strategy. The framework and screening methodology was applied to all 192 USACE lock sites to establish alternatives which were combined into courses of action which ranged from the status quo to the entire portfolio.  The recommended course of action (shown in figure 2) proposed further analysis for both lock and dam remote operation technology prior to implementation.

Phase 2 – Program Delivery

The first step will be the regional analysis phase where a detailed and site-specific report is prepared documenting the operations changes, infrastructure upgrades, staffing, cost analysis, stakeholder engagement and recommendation. The recommendation to transition to remote operations will be based on a sound business case.  A staffing study will inform the planning and execution of any workforce transition strategy.  At sites approved for remote operation, the implementation phase includes budgeting, design, construction, and transition over several years. The program delivery timeline will be funding-dependent and will likely occur over several decades.

Lock Operations

USACE currently operates locks from a control stand on the lock wall or in an on-site control room using cameras and sensors (depicted in the two diagrams on the left of figure 3). In remote operation, the control room is off-site in a regional operation center (figure 3, diagram on the right). Local control will remain in all operations to maintain operation in an emergency. It is important to note that remote operations are not equivalent to autonomous operations, as a lock operator will still control all lock operations.

Figure 3. Lock operation scenarios

More Information

• Frequently Asked Question (July 2023)
• Framework Summary
• December 2022 Virtual Listening Session