Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Texas (GIWW) Brazos River Flood Gates (BRFG)

Lock Information

Brazos River Flood Gates Elevation and Velocity Data

Brazos River Lock Status

Commercial Vessel Check-in Procedures

  • West bound vessels check in at Bryan Beach bridge. West bound vessels use north bank moorings when tripping barges.
  • East bound vessels check in at Jones Lake. East bound vessels use south bank moorings when tripping barges.
  • Note: When head differential in either East or West gates are between 0.7 feet and 1.8 feet, installation will go on RESTRICTIONS. When head differential exceeds 1.8 feet, that gate will be CLOSED FOR NAVIGATION. 

Overview

HISTORY: Soon after construction of the GIWW, rapid shoaling became evident at this crossing and these structures were built to provide safe navigation across the river crossing and minimize shoaling at the crossing and in the GIWW. The project was completed in Sept. 1943 by Tellepsen Construction for $3,343,000.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Two Flood Gates consisting of two Sector gates each located on each side of the Brazos River along the GIWW. Gates and chambers are 75’ wide with sill elevations of -16’ MLLW, sealing depth of 22’ and operate on rack and pinion drives.  Each gate weighs 150,000 lbs or 75 tons. The project is operated by a Lockmaster, Operator Supervisor, Mechanic, and 10 Lock and Dam Operators. IMTS job and structure model is currently in place.

Floodgate Dimensions:

  • 750 feet long by 75 feet wide
  • Maximum tow length = 1,180 feet
  • Maximum tow width = 74 feet

PROJECT FUNDING:

  • Allocation for FY25: $2,750,000
  • President’s Budget for FY26: $2,755,000

FACTS AND FIGURES

Authority

River and Harbors Act, 21 Jan ‘27, House Document 238, 68th Congress, 1st Session

Contact Information

LOCATION:

7 miles southwest of Freeport, Texas at the intersection of the Brazos River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Mailing Address:
Brazos River Floodgates
4335 East Flood Gate Road
Freeport, Texas  77542

Email:
swgpao@usace.army.mil
Phone: 979-233-3146
For Closure Notices and Navigation Interests: use VHF Ch. 13 or call 979-402-2888.
Fax: 979-233-5632

Office Hours:
7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday
After hours: 979-233-1251

Lockmaster: Jesse Deshotels