CHESAPEAKE, Va. – The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reopened the Great Bridge Locks, on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, for normal operations here Nov. 23.
A damaged chamber valve forced closure of the locks Nov. 5.
U.S. Facilities, Inc. based in Philadelphia, Pa., completed the temporary repairs after contract divers performed a limited diagnostic inspection of the lock’s valve system and found that the concrete anchoring the valve had deteriorated.
The width of the Great Bridge lock has been temporary reduced from 72 feet to 70 feet due to the installation of a cofferdam on the north east lock wall. Vessels shall proceed at a low speed and provide a wide berth at the cofferdam. The cofferdam is marked on the lock wall with an angle iron structure and yellow paint.
Great Bridge locks open on demand, but work in conjunction with the Great Bridge Bridge openings. Vessel operators may contact the Great Bridge Lock at 757-547-3311, and lock and bridge operators will monitor Channel 13.