Pittsburgh Engineer District to invest $12.9 million at Montgomery Locks and Dam
Written by Marine Log Staff
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District has announced the award of a more than $12.9-million contract for the installation of two new dam lift gates and a new control system at Montgomery Locks and Dam on the Ohio River in Monaca, Pennsylvania. [Photo: USACE/Andrew Byrne]
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Pittsburgh District reports that it plans to spend $12.9 million to install two new dam lift gates and a new control system at the Montgomery Locks and Dam along the Ohio River in Beaver County.
The Montgomery facility is third-busiest navigation facility in the region. It was built in 1934. An inspection in 2006 revealed significant deterioration problems. Later that year, a barge tow struck the upstream guide wall. Three barges separated from the tow and destroyed two gates.
“The loss of any of the gates could have resulted in the loss of the pool and could have possibly stopped commercial traffic, which would have negative effects on the region and the nation’s economy,” said David Heidish, project manager for the Pittsburgh District.
Eight of Montgomery’s 10 dam gates already have been replaced. The recent contract, awarded to Joseph B. Fay Company of Pittsburgh, is the continuation of three previous gate replacement contracts.
Installation of the new gates is scheduled to begin in spring 2021 and work is expected to be completed in early 2023.
