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Posted on September 9, 2024
PITTSBURGH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District opened a 100-foot-wide navigation channel for commercial vessels through the center of the dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, Thursday, Sept. 5. The first commercial navigation vessel passed through the channel this morning.
“Opening the navigation channel ahead of schedule was a significant achievement,” said Col. Nicholas Melin, commander of the Pittsburgh District. “To restore normal navigation along this section of the Monongahela River required an extraordinary effort between key navigation stakeholders, the construction contractor, and the Corps of Engineers. We’re working with our contractors to complete the full channel opening by December 2024.”
Once the district has completely removed the dam, the river level between the Braddock and John P. Murtha locks and dams will adjust to their new authorized elevation of 723.1 (NAVD 88), approximately one-half to one foot lower than the river level on Sept. 5. Waterfront facilities or structures within reach of the river needing permitting information should contact the district’s regulatory office at 412-395-7155 or regulatory.permits@usace.army.mil, or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection at 412-442-4000 for guidance on adapting to the changing river levels.
Recreational boaters can review lock-through procedures at https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation-Locks/.