Pittsburgh District clears passage through dam, opens new navigation channel on Monongahela River to industry

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)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractors stage several work barges used to demolish and remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

A second industry towboat navigates 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)

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)

Lt. Gaylord Amores, with the U.S. Coast Guard, talks with Alan Nogy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District chief of the locks and dams branch, while waiting for the first commercial towboat to navigate through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractors use several excavators on work barges to demolish and remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

A second industry towboat navigates 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)

Alan Nogy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District chief of the locks and dams branch, talks with Lt. Col. Daniel Tabacchi, the Pittsburgh District deputy commander, after the first commercial towboat navigated through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

A construction towboat and barge locks through the Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

David Podurgiel, with the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, talks to members of the U.S. Coast Guard after the first industry towboat pushed barges through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

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)

Lt. Col. Daniel Tabacchi, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District deputy commander, watches as the first industry towboat pushes towboats through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

David Podurgiel, with the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, stands with members of the U.S. Coast Guard after the first industry towboat pushed barges through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

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)

David Podurgiel, with the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, talks to members of the U.S. Coast Guard after the first industry towboat pushed barges through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

David Podurgiel, with the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, and Lt. Gaylord Amores, with the U.S. Coast Guard, watch as the first industry towboat pushes towboats through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractors use a clamshell excavator to remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

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)

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)

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)

David Podurgiel, with the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, talks with Marine Science Technician 2nd Class Niles Merritt, with the U.S. Coast Guard, while waiting for the first commercial towboat to navigate through the newly-opened channel at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, U.S. Coast Guard, and Waterways Association of Pittsburgh talk wile contractors use several excavators on work barges to demolish and remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

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)

David Podurgiel, with the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, watches as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractors use several excavators on work barges to demolish and remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractors use a clamshell excavator to remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractors use a clamshell excavator to remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

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)

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractor walks along a work barge used to demolish and remove rubble from a fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District contractors operate a boat around a floating work barge used to drill and remove rubble from the demolished fixed-crest dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 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)