Belleville Lock and Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Belleville Lock and Dam
Official name	Belleville Lock and Dam
Location	Ohio/West Virginia border
Coordinates	39°07′08″N 81°44′27″W / 39.11889°N 81.74083°W / 39.11889; -81.74083
Construction began	1962
Opening date	1968
Construction cost	$62,231,500
Operator(s)	United States Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Gated
Impounds	Ohio River
Length	1,206 feet
Reservoir
Normal elevation	582 feet above sealevel
Power station
Installed capacity	42 MW

The Belleville Lock and Dam is a very important structure on the Ohio River. It's located about 204 miles downstream from Pittsburgh, where the Ohio River begins. This dam helps boats and barges travel safely along the river. It also helps manage the water level for different uses.

What is a Lock and Dam?

A lock and dam system is like a special water elevator for boats. The dam part holds back water. This creates a deeper, calmer section of the river. This deeper water makes it easier for large boats and barges to move around.

The lock part is a chamber with gates. When a boat wants to pass, it enters the lock. The water level inside the lock is then raised or lowered to match the water level on the other side. This allows the boat to continue its journey.

Building the Belleville Lock and Dam

Construction on the Belleville Lock and Dam began in 1962. It took six years to build this large structure. The dam was officially opened in 1968. It cost about $62 million to complete, which was a lot of money back then!

How the Belleville Lock and Dam Works

The Belleville Lock and Dam has two main locks. These locks help different types of river traffic pass through.

• The main lock is very large. It is 1,200 feet long and 110 feet wide. This lock is mostly used by big commercial barges. These barges carry goods like coal, grain, and oil.
• There is also an auxiliary lock. This one is 600 feet long and 110 feet wide. It can be used by smaller boats or when the main lock is busy.

The dam also helps generate electricity. It has a power plant that can produce 42 megawatts of power. This is enough electricity to power many homes!

Who Manages the Dam?

The Belleville Lock and Dam is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, it's managed by their Huntington District. The Army Corps of Engineers is a government agency. They are in charge of many important waterways in the United States. Their job is to keep rivers safe for travel and to manage water resources.