Navigation channel opened through Locks and Dam 3

It’s currently only open to commercial vessels, but full access is being planned by December.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District announced it has officially opened a 100-foot-wide navigation channel through the Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 in Elizabeth for commercial vessels.

The navigation channel opened yesterday and the first commercial vessel passed through it Thursday 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.”

The channel will only be available for commercial use, but is expected to open for recreation in December. The channel has a 56-foot width restriction and a 9-foot draft restriction for commercial use.

Commercial traffic is still able to use the lock chamber with a 7-foot draft restriction if they choose to use it.

Urgency to complete the navigation channel was brought on after local residents and congressional representatives had concerns about low water levels on the Monongahela River.

Concerns about water levels were brought on after a controlled demolition of Locks and Dam 3 July 10. Eventually state and congressional representatives released a letter asking the USACE to take care of the problem.

U.S. Sens. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, and John Fetterman, D-Braddock, along with U.S. Reps. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Peters Township, Summer Lee, D-Swissvale, and Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, signed a joint letter asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District to address the water level issues that started after the demolition of Locks and Dam 3.

The demolition of the Locks and Dam and the channel are part of the Lower Monongahela River Project that involve facilities in Elizabeth, Braddock and Charleroi. The entire project is expected to add $200 million to local economies.

According to the statement from the USACE, once the dam is completely removed the river levels between Braddock and the John P. Murtha Locks and Dams will adjust to an elevation of 723.1. According to the USACE, that’s six inches to a foot lower than the river’s current level.

Recreational traffic will be required to continue using the lock chamber to avoid any interference with construction on the river. Signage will be available in the river along the lock to lead traffic to the right exits and entrances.

The USACE recommends that both recreational and commercial traffic follow the U.S. Coast Guard’s navigation routes, notify lock personnel of incoming traffic and follow proper procedures.

Anyone wanting to use the lock for recreational use or learn more about procedures can go to https://www.usace. army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation- Locks.