Newburgh Lock and Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Newburgh Lock and Dam
Location	Indiana/Kentucky border
Coordinates	37°55′46″N 87°22′24″W / 37.9294°N 87.3734°W / 37.9294; -87.3734
Construction began	June 1966
Opening date	1975
Operator(s)	United States Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Concrete fixed weir with 9 Tainter gates
Impounds	Ohio River
Length	2,275 feet
Reservoir
Normal elevation	358 feet above sealevel

Imagine a giant staircase for boats on a river! That's kind of what a lock and dam system is. The Newburgh Lock and Dam is a very important structure on the Ohio River. It helps boats travel safely and keeps the river deep enough for them. This dam is the 16th one you would find if you traveled downstream from Pittsburgh.

Newburgh Lock and Dam: A River Helper

The Newburgh Lock and Dam is a key part of the busy Ohio River. It's located right on the border between the states of Indiana and Kentucky. This structure helps control the river's water level. It also makes it possible for large boats, like barges, to move up and down the river.

What is a Lock and Dam?

A lock and dam system works like a water elevator for boats.

• A dam is a big wall built across a river. It holds back water to create a deeper section, called a "pool." This deeper water makes it easier for big boats to travel.
• A lock is a chamber next to the dam. Boats enter the lock, and the water level inside is either raised or lowered. This allows the boat to move from one water level to another.

The Newburgh Lock and Dam has two locks. One is very large, measuring 1,200 feet long and 110 feet wide. This one is used for big commercial barges. The other, smaller lock is 600 feet long and 110 feet wide. It's called an auxiliary lock.

Building the Dam

Building a structure as big as the Newburgh Lock and Dam takes a lot of time and effort. Construction on this dam began in June 1966. It took many years to complete. The dam finally opened in 1975, ready to help manage the Ohio River.

The dam itself is made of concrete. It has a special design called a fixed weir. This means part of the dam is a solid wall. It also uses nine large Tainter gates. These gates can be opened or closed to let water flow through. This helps control the river's level.

Who Manages It?

The Newburgh Lock and Dam is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They are a special group that builds and manages many of the country's waterways and dams. The Louisville District of the Corps of Engineers is in charge of this particular dam. Their job is to make sure the dam and locks work smoothly. They help keep river traffic moving safely.

Its Importance

Before the Newburgh Lock and Dam was built, there were older structures called Lock and Dam 46 and Lock and Dam 47. The Newburgh project replaced these older ones. This new dam is much more modern and efficient. It helps keep the Ohio River open for shipping goods. This is very important for businesses and communities along the river.