Hannibal Locks and Dam is one of six major river facilities on the upper Ohio River. An observation platform and visitors facility are at the lock site. The visitors center includes a unique wicket dam and maneuver boat depicting the history of navigation on the Ohio River. The area adjacent to the visitors area includes a public day-use area with picnic tables, grills, a shelter, parking areas and restroom facilities.
Project Information
The Hannibal project has a gated dam, one of the two major types in service in the Pittsburgh District. Gated dams are constructed to permit increased control over the water level in the navigation pool upriver of the dam. Machinery mounted on tall concrete piers moves large chains which lift gates that are hinged into the body of the piers. As the gates are raised or lowered to control the amount of water flowing under them, the upstream pool is maintained at a relatively constant level for an authorized depth of at least 9 feet throughout its length. The dam, however, cannot be operated to control flood flows. An incidental benefit derived from the pool formed by the dam is the availability of a source of municipal and industrial water.
History
Construction of the Hannibal lock chambers began in 1967 and was completed in 1972 when the locks were opened to river traffic. Work on the high-lift gated dam began in 1970 and was completed in 1975. The installation replaced three older wicket-type projects, Locks and Dams 12, 13 and 14.
Location
Hannibal Locks and Dam lies on the right descending bank in Monroe County, Ohio. The locks are directly across from the town of New Martinsville, W.Va. A private hydropower facility is located on the abutment side of the dam in New Martinsville. The project can be reached either by following Ohio Route 7 or by following Route 2 on the West Virginia side, across the bridge in New Martinsville.
P.O. Box 8
Hannibal, OH 43931-0008
740-483-2305