Miter gate installation underway for Chickamauga Lock

The first miter gate piece is assembled on the downstream side of Chickamauga Lock in Chattanooga, Tenn., on April 7, 2025 / U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started installing massive miter gates at the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project.

Crews are working to install 14 miter gate pieces, 10 downstream, and four upstream.

The assembly is expected to be finished by the end of 2025.

“Seeing these massive gate pieces lifted and assembled into place is truly a testament to the expertise and coordination required in mega infrastructure projects. This process marks a significant achievement in the progress of the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project and brings us closer to project operational status.”

-Kyle Phillips, technical lead for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District.

The gates are built to withstand extreme water pressure and regulate water levels, helping recreational boats and commercial barges safely pass through the new chamber.

The project is replacing the current lock, that was constructed in 1940.

The current lock supports about 1.5 million tons of cargo annually but can only handle one barge at a time.

The new 110-foot-wide by 600-foot-long lock is expected to hold nine barges, boosting capacity by 80 percent and reducing transit times.

According to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the new lock is expected to be operational in 2028.

“The Chickamauga Lock is a vital link in our nation’s inland waterway system, and this project will ensure its continued reliability for decades to come. The economic benefits will be felt throughout the region and beyond.”

-Bob Winters, project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District.

For updates on the project, the public can visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District website here.