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Charleroi Locks & Dam facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Charleroi Lock and Dam
Charleroild.jpg
Location Charleroi, Pennsylvania and Monessen, Pennsylvania
Coordinates 40°08′46″N 79°54′00″W / 40.1462°N 79.9000°W / 40.1462; -79.9000
Construction began 1931
Opening date 1932
Operator(s) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District
Dam and spillways
Impounds Monongahela River

The Charleroi Locks & Dam is an important structure on the Monongahela River in Pennsylvania. It's also known as Locks & Dam 4. This dam helps boats travel safely along the river. It was built and is cared for by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The dam creates a calm pool of water upstream. This pool stretches for almost 20 miles! It reaches all the way to the Maxwell Lock & Dam. The Charleroi Locks & Dam is located near Charleroi, Pennsylvania and Monessen, Pennsylvania.

What is a Lock and Dam?

A lock and dam system helps boats move up and down a river. Rivers often have different water levels. A dam is like a wall that holds back water. This creates a deeper, calmer section of the river.

A lock is a special chamber next to the dam. It works like an elevator for boats! Boats enter the lock, and the water level inside is changed. This allows them to move from one water level to another.

How River Locks Work

Imagine a boat wants to go upstream (against the current).

  • The boat enters the lock chamber.
  • Large gates close behind it.
  • Water is slowly pumped into the lock.
  • As the water rises, the boat rises with it.
  • When the water level matches the higher section of the river, the front gates open.
  • The boat can then continue its journey.

To go downstream, the process is reversed. Water is let out of the lock, and the boat lowers.

Charleroi's Role on the Monongahela River

The Charleroi Locks & Dam is one of nine similar structures. These structures are all along the Monongahela River. They help boats travel between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia. This makes it easier to transport goods and materials.

Location and Features

The Charleroi Locks & Dam is located at mile 41.5 on the river. This means it's 41.5 miles from where the Monongahela River joins another river.

Unlike some other dams on the river, Charleroi has two working locks. This means more boats can pass through at the same time. These extra locks were added during a big upgrade project in 1967.

History of the Dam

The construction of the Charleroi Locks & Dam began in 1931. It was completed and opened in 1932. For many years, it has played a key role in river transportation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has maintained it ever since.

Images for kids

  • Charleroild

    The Charleroi Locks & Dam on the Monongahela River.