Black Rock Lock repairs underway

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District has begun repairs to the lower land (east) primary anchorage of the Black Rock Lock, after it suffered a mechanical failure during operations in early November.

Utilizing the USACE Regional Rivers Repair Fleet (Medium Fleet), with the majority of personnel coming from the USACE Pittsburgh District, we are working hard to minimize any impact on commercial and recreational traffic.

“We anticipate resuming traffic in the lock as early as May 1, 2018,” said Vincent Lovullo, USACE Buffalo District project manager.  “Future repairs to the remaining lock anchorages will be conducted during the winter of 2018-19 in order to prevent delayed opening for 2019 season.”

The USACE Buffalo District is considering a change to the lock schedule and operations in order to reduce the risk of further outages in the 2018 season.

The 104-year-old lock provides $3.94 million in economic benefits to Buffalo Harbor annually.

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The Black Rock Lock undergoes repairs in Mar. 2018 after a mechanical failure occurring in Nov. 2018. (Photo by Dr. Michael Izard-Carroll)

The Black Rock Lock undergoes repairs in Mar. 2018 after a mechanical failure occurring in Nov. 2018. (Photo by Dr. Michael Izard-Carroll)

The Black Rock Lock undergoes repairs in Mar. 2018 after a mechanical failure occurring in Nov. 2018. (Photo by Dr. Michael Izard-Carroll)

The Black Rock Lock undergoes repairs in Mar. 2018 after a mechanical failure occurring in Nov. 2018. (Photo by Dr. Michael Izard-Carroll)

The Black Rock Lock undergoes repairs in Mar. 2018 after a mechanical failure occurring in Nov. 2018. (Photo by Dr. Michael Izard-Carroll)

The Black Rock Lock undergoes repairs in Mar. 2018 after a mechanical failure occurring in Nov. 2018. (Photo by Dr. Michael Izard-Carroll)