Greenup Lock and Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greenup Lock and Dam |
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| Official name | Greenup Lock and Dam |
| Location | Kentucky/Ohio border |
| Coordinates | 38°38′49″N 82°51′31″W / 38.6470°N 82.8587°W |
| Construction began | 1954 |
| Opening date | 1962 |
| Construction cost | Lock Replacement $244,550,000 Dam Rehabilitation $46,700,000 |
| Operator(s) |  United States Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | 9 Tainter gates |
| Impounds | Ohio River |
| Length | 1,287 feet |
| Reservoir | |
| Normal elevation | 515 feet above sealevel |
| Power station | |
| Operator(s) | City of Hamilton |
| Installed capacity | 70 MW |
The Greenup Lock and Dam is a very important structure on the Ohio River. It helps boats and barges travel safely and smoothly. This amazing dam is the 11th one you'll find as you go downstream from Pittsburgh. It's located right on the border between the states of Kentucky and Ohio.
Contents
What is a Lock and Dam?
A lock and dam system helps boats move past changes in river height. Imagine a giant staircase for boats! The Greenup Lock and Dam has two special sections called "locks." These locks are like big water elevators. They allow boats to go up or down the river, even when the water level changes.
How the Locks Work
The main lock is super long, about 1,200 feet (that's longer than three football fields!). It's also 110 feet wide. This big lock is used for large commercial barges. These barges carry lots of goods, like coal or grain. There's also a smaller, "auxiliary" lock. It's 600 feet long and 110 feet wide. This one can be used if the main lock is busy or needs repairs.
Moving Through the Lock
When a boat wants to go through, it enters the lock chamber. Big gates close behind it. Then, water is either added to the chamber to raise the boat up, or removed to lower it down. Once the water level matches the next part of the river, the front gates open, and the boat can continue its journey. This process makes river travel much easier and safer.
Building the Greenup Dam
The construction of the Greenup Lock and Dam began in 1954. It took several years to build this massive project. The dam officially opened in 1962. It has been helping river traffic for many decades.
Who Operates It?
The United States Army Corps of Engineers operates the Greenup Lock and Dam. They are responsible for keeping it running smoothly. They also make sure the river is safe for all the boats that use it. The dam also has a power plant that generates electricity. The City of Hamilton, Ohio, operates this power plant. It can produce 70 MW of power.
Dam Structure and Size
The dam itself is very long, stretching 1,287 feet across the river. It uses nine special gates called Tainter gates. These gates can be opened or closed to control the flow of water. The water level behind the dam is kept at about 515 feet above sealevel. This helps maintain a deep channel for boats.
Images for kids
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The Dam from the Ohio side with the Ohio River at 58 feet
