Troy Lock, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, has officially reopened to allow marine traffic following post-Irene cleanup work and inspections.
Tropical Storm Irene caused flooding up and down the Hudson River, including at the navigation lock just north of Albany, and sent debris large and small down the Hudson River. Immediately following the storm, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crews went to work clearing debris out of the lock, removing an estimated 2,000 cubic yards of debris from the lock entrance. Debris in the lock ranged from small branches to larger items like entire trees and entire docks the broke away from the shoreline.
Soldier divers from the Army’s 544th Engineer Dive Team worked with personnel at the lock to identify and remove submerged debris as well as to inspect the lock for possible storm-related damage that could impact future lock operations.
Hydrographic surveys were conducted just north and south of Troy Lock as well and, with the lock cleared and operational, it was determined that navigation through the lock could safely begin again.
The lock will begin its normal operating schedule Tuesday and is operated from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until its navigation season closes on November 30.
“I’m proud of our hard-working Corps employees who were able to get the lock cleared, inspected and ready for marine traffic as quickly as they did, considering the tremendous amount of debris ,” said New York District Commander Col. John R. Boulé . “ I’d also like to thank the Soldiers of the Army’s 544th Engineer Dive Team for providing their expertise at inspecting the lock and finding and helping to remove submerged debris.”
Last year’s navigation season saw 2,724 lockages with 4,077 vessels passing through the facility.
Troy Lock is co-located with the Federal Dam at Troy. Troy Lock has been operated annually since the Corps first built it in 1916. It was constructed to enhance navigation on the Hudson River and serves as a gateway to the New York State Canal System.
[mappress]
Source: usace, September 13, 2011;