HISTORY: Soon after construction of the GIWW across the Colorado River, rapid shoaling occurred at the crossing and it became evident that a navigation structure was required to prevent excessive shoaling and dredging costs. Originally constructed as Floodgates in Sept. 1944 by Brown & Root Co. for $3,279,400, navigation delays due to excessive head differentials prompted construction of lock chambers. Conversion to lock chambers was completed in Apr.1954 by Texas Construction Co. for $3,489,000
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Four lock gates consisting of two sector gates each are located on each side of the Colorado River creating a 1200 foot lock chamber on each side of the river along the GIWW. Gates and chambers are 75’ wide with sill elevations of -16’ MLLW, sealing depth of 33’ and operate on rack and pinion drives. Each gate weighs 200,000 lbs or 100 tons. The project is operated by a Lockmaster, Assistant Lockmaster, Mechanic, and 10 Lock and Dam Operators. The IMTS job and structure model is currently in place.
Lock Dimensions:
- 1,200 feet long by 75 feet wide
- Maximum length allowed on tows is 1,180 feet
- Maximum width allowed on tows is 74 feet
PROJECT FUNDING:
- Allocation for FY25: $2,750,000
- President’s Budget for FY26: $2,755,000
FACTS AND FIGURES