The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, in partnership with Shimmick Construction and Tennessee Valley Authority, recently began erecting massive miter gates for the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project. This milestone brings the project closer to its goal of enabling both recreational vessels and commercial barges to pass through the new lock chamber, a critical step in modernizing regional infrastructure.

Project Overview and Objectives

The Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project is a critical infrastructure development aimed at enhancing the navigation capabilities of the Tennessee River. The existing lock, built in 1940, currently accommodates one barge at a time and supports the movement of about 1.5 million tons of cargo annually. The new 110-foot-wide by 600-foot-long navigation lock, expected to be operational in 2028, would hold nine barges per lockage.

The project’s objectives are multifaceted, with a primary focus on increasing capacity and reducing transit times for commercial vessels. The new lock is projected to increase capacity by 80 percent and significantly reduce transit times, providing a major boost to both the regional and national economies. Additionally, the project aims to ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of the Tennessee River navigation system.

Miter Gates: The Key to Unlocking the New Lock Chamber

Two hundred and fourteen miter gate pieces are being installed — 10 for the downstream side of the lock and four for the upstream side. These miter gates are a specific type of hydraulic steel structure designed to withstand immense water pressure while regulating water levels and ensuring safe passage of vessels navigating through the lock.

Each miter gate piece was built by certified fabricators and delivered in December 2024. Installation began the first week of April, with crews utilizing a large-capacity crane to carefully lift and position each gate piece into its final location within the lock chamber. Once assembled, the pieces will be welded together onsite.

• The miter gates are made of a combination of steel and concrete, providing exceptional strength and durability.
• Each gate piece weighs approximately 20 tons, with a total weight of 280 tons for the downstream side and 160 tons for the upstream side.
• The miter gates are designed to withstand water pressure of up to 50 feet, ensuring safe passage of vessels through the lock.

Collaboration and Coordination

The success of the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project relies heavily on the collaboration and coordination between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, Shimmick Construction, and Tennessee Valley Authority. The partnership has enabled the project to move forward efficiently, leveraging the expertise and resources of each partner.

“Seeing these massive gate pieces lifted and assembled into place is truly a testament to the expertise and coordination required in mega infrastructure projects. This process marks a significant achievement in the progress of the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project and brings us closer to project operational status,” said Kyle Phillips, technical lead for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District.

Economic Benefits

The Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project is expected to have significant economic benefits, including increased capacity and reduced transit times for commercial vessels. The new lock is projected to increase capacity by 80 percent and significantly reduce transit times, providing a major boost to both the regional and national economies.

“The Chickamauga Lock is a vital link in our nation’s inland waterway system, and this project will ensure its continued reliability for decades to come. The economic benefits will be felt throughout the region and beyond,” said Bob Winters, project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District.

Project Stakeholders

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District
• Shimmick Construction
• Tennessee Valley Authority

Conclusion

The Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project is a critical step towards modernizing regional infrastructure and enhancing the navigation capabilities of the Tennessee River. With the successful installation of miter gates, the project is moving forward efficiently, leveraging the expertise and resources of each partner.