BUFFALO, NY -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District is scheduled to close the Black Rock Lock from November 11, 2019 to May 1, 2020 for repairs to the gates and lock anchorages.
The lock will officially close on November 11, 2019 and construction is scheduled to start the next day. The repairs will improve the Black Rock Lock infrastructure and sustain the functionality for future recreation seasons.
These repairs will be conducted during the winter of 2019-20 in order to prevent delayed opening for the 2020 boating recreation season.
“Traffic is anticipated to resume as early as May 1, 2020, in time for prime boating season,” said Vincent Lovullo, a civil engineer and project manager with the Corps. “We will work hard to minimize any impact on commercial and recreational traffic.”
The work is being performed by the Regional Rivers Repair Fleet Medium Capacity Fleet (R3F MCF) with the majority of personnel coming from the USACE Pittsburgh District. Black Rock Lock personnel will also be assisting. Additionally, there will be contractor support providing a barge and crane to lift the gates.
The lock is 105-years old and need these repairs to continue operation until new gates are acquired. New gates are currently being designed by Buffalo District structural engineers. The lock provides $3.94 million in economic benefits to the Buffalo Harbor annually.
Additional Black Rock Lock Information:
https://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Black-Rock-Lock/
Release no. 19-050