ALANSON, Mich. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District (USACE) is working to restore operations to the Crooked River Lock in Alanson, after an electrical malfunction the evening of Thursday, Aug. 24, caused the lock to be shutdown to recreational boat traffic.
Replacement parts for an obsolete safety module are expected by Sept. 15 to restore the lock to full functioning capability. Boaters will not be able to navigate between Crooked River and Crooked Lake during this time.
Emmet County first alerted the Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District that the lock malfunctioning Thursday, but a team from the Soo Locks traveled to the lock Thursday and determined it was a failed limiter switch and repaired the problem. But about 6 p.m., the Emmet County staff – who operate the lock on behalf of the Army Corps under an agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – notified the Soo Locks staff that the lock was again malfunctioning.
Army Corps Staff determined the module would require replacement parts, which have been sourced and ordered.
The Crooked River Lock ensures water levels are maintained through the 36-mile Inland Waterway system, providing recreational boating opportunities for thousands of Northern Michigan residents each year. The locks perform about 10,000 lockages per year.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors and channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
The Detroit District provides vital public engineering services in peace and war to secure our Nation, protect the environment, energize our economy and reduce risks from natural disasters.
For more details, contact Detroit District Public Affairs Specialist Brandon Hubbard, (313) 500-3251.