The US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, soo Project Office will open the Poe Lock on March 25, marking the 2023 Great Lakes shipping season start, the Army Corps announced.
During the 10-week winter shutdown, the Poe Lock underwent critical repairs and maintenance, resulting in its closure since January 16.
Several essential tasks were performed, including Gate one anchorage component repairs, Gate one lifting lugs and turning feet replacements, underfloor drain system inspections, Gate one structural inspections for future replacements, Gate three structural repairs, gate jacking pedestal inspections, valve and seal repairs, and culvert intake grate repairs.
The miter gates are the large gates located at each end of the lock chamber, which allow ships to enter and leave the lock and prevent water from entering or exiting the lock while boats are lifted or lowered.
'Crews also performed a wide range of other maintenance tasks, including fender timber replacements, electrical and mechanical systems inspections, and preventative maintenance on both the Poe and MacArthur Locks and floating plant maintenance,' said maintenance branch chief Nick Pettit.
'This winter, a portion of maintenance projects on Gate 1 required the Poe Lock to remain full while others required the lock to be dewatered. Sequencing Poe Lock maintenance/repairs allowed our team to maximise the non-navigation season,' said Mr Pettit.
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During the 10-week winter shutdown, the Poe Lock underwent critical repairs and maintenance, resulting in its closure since January 16.
Several essential tasks were performed, including Gate one anchorage component repairs, Gate one lifting lugs and turning feet replacements, underfloor drain system inspections, Gate one structural inspections for future replacements, Gate three structural repairs, gate jacking pedestal inspections, valve and seal repairs, and culvert intake grate repairs.
The miter gates are the large gates located at each end of the lock chamber, which allow ships to enter and leave the lock and prevent water from entering or exiting the lock while boats are lifted or lowered.
'Crews also performed a wide range of other maintenance tasks, including fender timber replacements, electrical and mechanical systems inspections, and preventative maintenance on both the Poe and MacArthur Locks and floating plant maintenance,' said maintenance branch chief Nick Pettit.
'This winter, a portion of maintenance projects on Gate 1 required the Poe Lock to remain full while others required the lock to be dewatered. Sequencing Poe Lock maintenance/repairs allowed our team to maximise the non-navigation season,' said Mr Pettit.
2M ends Asia-North Europe loop after weeks of blank sailings
SeaNews Turkey