Dashields Locks and Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dashields Locks and Dam
The Dashields Locks and Dam on the Ohio River
Official name	Dashields Locks and Dam
Coordinates	40°33′02″N 80°12′15″W / 40.5506°N 80.2041°W / 40.5506; -80.2041
Construction began	1927
Opening date	1929
Operator(s)	United States Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	fixed crest dam
Impounds	Ohio River
Length	1,585 feet
Reservoir
Normal elevation	692 feet above sealevel

The Dashields Locks and Dam is an important structure on the Ohio River. It is located less than 15 miles downstream from the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This dam helps control the river's water level, making it easier for boats and barges to travel safely.

The Dashields facility has two special sections called "locks." One lock is very large, 600 feet long and 110 feet wide, and is used by big commercial barges that carry goods. The other lock is smaller, 360 feet long and 56 feet wide, and is mainly for recreational boats like fishing boats or pleasure craft. Every month, about 450 commercial barges and 200-300 recreational boats use these locks to move up and down the river.

What is Dashields Locks and Dam?

The Dashields Locks and Dam is a type of structure called a "fixed-crest dam." This means it has a solid wall that stays at a set height, allowing water to flow over the top. Its main job is to create a calm pool of water upstream. This pool helps keep the river deep enough for boats to travel without getting stuck.

How Do Locks Work?

River locks are like water elevators for boats. They help boats move between different water levels on a river. Here's how it works:

• A boat enters a chamber with gates at both ends.
• If the boat needs to go up, water is slowly added to the chamber until the boat reaches the higher water level.
• If the boat needs to go down, water is slowly let out of the chamber until the boat reaches the lower water level.
• Once the water level matches, the gates open, and the boat can continue its journey.

Why is Dashields Important?

The Dashields Locks and Dam plays a key role in river transportation. It is part of a system of dams and locks along the Ohio River that allows barges to carry goods like coal, steel, and chemicals. This makes it cheaper and easier to move these materials, which helps the economy. For recreational boaters, the locks provide a safe way to enjoy the river.

Building the Dam

Construction on the Dashields Locks and Dam began in 1927. It took two years to build, and the facility officially opened in 1929. Building such a large structure was a big engineering challenge at the time. It involved a lot of planning and hard work to create a dam that could control the powerful Ohio River.

Who Manages It?

The Dashields Locks and Dam is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, it's managed by their Pittsburgh District. The Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency responsible for many public works projects in the U.S., including maintaining rivers and harbors for navigation, flood control, and environmental protection. They make sure the locks and dam work smoothly and safely for everyone who uses the river.