Update on the Chickamauga Lock Project

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The ongoing project to replace the Chickamauga Lock has reached a new milestone.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers describes the miter gates as, “…hydraulic steel structures designed to withstand high water pressure, control water levels, and allow recreational and commercial vessels to pass through lock chambers safely.”

The gate components are being delivered throughout the month to complete the project.

Delivery dates range from December 5–23, 2024.

“The successful delivery of this milestone is a direct result of our greatest strength—our people,” said Lt. Col. Robert Green, commander of the USACE Nashville District. “The dedication, expertise, and teamwork of everyone involved in the Chickamauga Lock replacement project are the foundation of our success and the driving force behind this achievement.”

They state that the Chickamauga Lock replacement project includes:

“Designing and constructing a new 110-foot by 600-foot navigation lock. A feasibility study completed by the Corps of Engineers in 2002 confirmed that replacing the existing lock is both feasible and economically justified. Chickamauga Lock and Dam was constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and opened to navigation in 1940. The navigation lock is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for operations and maintenance.”

Joe Cotton, project manager for the Chickamauga Lock Replacement, says, “These miter gates represent another step closer to the completion of the Chickamauga Lock replacement. Their installation is a critical milestone that underscores the progress being made to enhance efficiency and reliability on the Tennessee River. This project is not just about improving navigation—it’s about securing the future of a vital waterway for commerce and recreation and ensuring the long-term stability of the Chickamauga Dam.”

If you want to learn more about the Chickamauga Lock Project, you can click here.