Second nose pier installed at Chickamauga Lock project

A landside nose pier shell is lifted into place around drilled shafts after being delivered to the Chickamauga Lock site on April 5, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Progress on the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project continues as crews successfully delivered and installed the second nose pier.

Standing 29.5 feet tall, the concrete structure was transported by barge from Iuka, Mississippi, traveling through several locks on the Tennessee River before arriving at the Chickamauga Lock.

“A highlight of this delivery was the strong coordination between our team, the contractor and the barge industry.  Prioritizing the nose pier’s passage through Wilson Lock was critical to keeping the project on schedule and reflects our commitment to efficient, well-executed construction.” 

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

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District says with the second nose pier now in place, the Nashville District remains on track to complete all work related to this contract by fall 2026.

The next major step involves delivering massive approach wall beams, up to 120 feet long and 450 tons each.

The wall beams are being currently stored at Watts Bar, with delivery expected in August 2025.

The new lock is set to open in 2028, with full project completion expected by 2031.