The Nashville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that the Wilson Lock, situated at mile 259.4 on the Tennessee River, is projected to reopen by June 30, 2025. This timeline is notably ahead of the previously anticipated completion date of July 8.
The lock was shut down in September 2024 after significant cracking was discovered in its chamber gates. Since the beginning of this year, repair teams from both the Nashville and Huntington Districts, in collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), have been diligently working to address the issues. The TVA has played a crucial role by supplying new pintle assembly components, which are essential for the operation of the 650-ton gates.
Recent repair efforts have included the installation of additional bracing, repairs to valves, and non-destructive testing to ensure the integrity of the structure. Additionally, crews are applying a ceramic metal coating to guarantee that the gates fit correctly. The final phase of the project will involve the removal of equipment and the rewatering of the lock chamber to restore its functionality.
Throughout the closure period, the auxiliary lock remained operational; however, this has resulted in longer lockage times for larger barges. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the total cost for these emergency repairs will be approximately $20 million.
For further updates and information, individuals are encouraged to visit the USACE Nashville District’s official website or follow their social media channels.
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