ARRA funds John T. Myers lock updates

Published Feb. 19, 2010

n American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contract for approximately $5.4 million was awarded to Semper Tek–Intersteel Joint Venture, Lexington, Ky., for dredging and bank excavation to widen the upstream lock approach to John T. Myers Locks and Dam near Mt. Vernon, Ind.

The work will take place on the Indiana shoreline. The bank is being cut back to allow more space for the tows to turn toward the lock, according to Mike Turner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District environmental chief, planning branch. An environmental assessment was recently completed for construction of the approach widening. The project groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for later this year.

The ARRA recently provided the Corps of Engineers with funding to award the contracts for construction of the upper lock approach widening and resident engineer’s building/visitors’ area. The approach widening contract was awarded on Dec. 17, 2009, and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2011. The resident engineer’s building/visitors’ area is currently scheduled for award in late March 2010 with completion in late summer of 2011.

John T. Myers, which was placed in operation in 1969, is the second most traversed lock on the Ohio River and the country.

The upstream approach widening is a precursor activity for future extension of the existing auxiliary lock from 600 feet to 1,200 feet.