Hildebrand Lock and Dam is one of nine navigation structures which provide for year-round navigation on the Monongahela River between Pittsburgh, Pa., and Fairmont, W.Va.
Project Information
Hildebrand Lock and Dam consists of a lock chamber and a gated dam. This type of dam is 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
Hildebrand Lock and Dam was constructed between 1950 and 1960 and eliminated the older Locks 12 and 13 which had been in place since 1903. The navigation facility was opened in March 1960.
Location
Hildebrand Lock and Dam is located at river mile 108.0, six miles southwest of the city of Morgantown, W.Va., and near Hildebrand and Round Bottom, W.Va. The lock chamber and operations building are situated along the left bank of the river. Road access to the project is from a state road leading southwest from the Morgantown suburb of Westover.
1610 Hildebrand Lock and Dam Road
Morgantown, WV 26501-7643
304-983-2300