Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 2 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 2
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 Location in Pittsburgh
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 7451 Lockway W, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 8.8 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1932 |
| Architect | Vang Construction Company |
| MPS | Allegheny River Navigation System MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000396 |
| Added to NRHP | April 21, 2000 |
The Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 2 is a special structure in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is also known as the Highland Park Lock and Dam. This important landmark was built in 1932. It helps boats travel safely along the Allegheny River.
This lock and dam connect two parts of Pittsburgh. One side is the Highland Park neighborhood. The other side is the suburb of Aspinwall. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built it. Their goal was to make the Allegheny River easier for boats to use. This lock is actually the most used one managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers!
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What is a Lock and Dam?
A lock is like a water elevator for boats. It helps boats move between different water levels. Imagine a big bathtub with gates at each end. When a boat enters, the gates close. Water is then added or removed to change the water level. This lifts or lowers the boat to the next section of the river.
A dam is a barrier built across a river. It holds back water, creating a deeper area upstream. This deeper water is called a "pool." Dams help keep the river deep enough for boats to travel.
How Lock and Dam No. 2 Works
Lock and Dam No. 2 is located about 6.7 miles up the Allegheny River. This is measured from a famous spot called the Point in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Upstream from the dam, the water is higher. This area is called Allegheny Pool No. 2. Its water level is about 721 feet above sea level. This pool stretches about 7.8 miles to Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 3.
Downstream from the dam, the water is lower. This area is called the Pittsburgh Pool. Its water level is about 710 feet above sea level. So, Lock No. 2 lifts or lowers boats about 11 feet. This helps them move between these two different water levels.
The Pittsburgh Pool
The Pittsburgh Pool is a large area of navigable water. It is about 710 feet above sea level. This pool covers over 24 miles. It reaches about 6.2 miles up the Ohio River. It also goes 11.2 miles up the Monongahela River. And, as you know, it extends 6.7 miles up the Allegheny River.
A Historic Landmark
The Highland Park Bridge crosses the river just above the dam. The Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 2 is an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000. This means it is recognized for its historical importance to the country.
