Pittsburgh District opens navigation channel on Monongahela Rive
The first industry towboat pushes barges through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, Sept. 5, 2024. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District opened a 100-foot-wide navigation channel for commercial vessels through the center of the dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, Thursday, Sept. 5. The first commercial navigation vessel passed through the channel during the morning. The channel has a 56-foot width restriction and a 9-foot draft restriction. Commercial traffic can still use the lock chamber while following the 7-foot draft restriction. Recreational vessels are required to use the lock at Elizabeth to avoid interfering with ongoing construction and commercial navigation. Commercial and recreational vessels should follow the U.S. Coast Guard’s specified navigation routes, notify lock personnel of incoming traffic, and adhere to proper lock-through procedures. Signage upstream and downstream of the lock will guide vessels to the appropriate entrance and exit points, facilitating safe and efficient passage. The demolition work, including removing remaining rubble, will continue through December. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District photo by Michel Sauret)