The project to start replacing the large darkroom irrigation culvert at Ballard Lock has been completed after Thanksgiving as planned.
The large ship lock room was closed on October 12, and the originally scheduled extended closing time was 53 days, which is one month longer than the usual November annual maintenance closure.
The closure allowed the US Army Corps of Engineers to begin replacing the original 102-year-old Stoney gate valve-the same as the one designed and used during the construction of the Panama Canal. This is the first of four extended closure periods and is part of a multi-year contract valued at $10.5 million, which will replace the irrigation sluices in the large lock chambers.
These valves are submerged in normal operation and can seal a filled culvert that is 8 feet 6 inches wide and 14 feet high.
The Army¡¯s Bill Dowell said that the installation is proceeding well and plans to conduct operational testing and training of maintenance personnel this week.
Post time: Mar-24-2021
