Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam
Official name	Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam
Location	Ohio/West Virginia border
Coordinates	38°40′54″N 82°11′24″W / 38.6816°N 82.1900°W / 38.6816; -82.1900
Construction began	August 25, 1937
Opening date	October 1937
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	8 Roller gates
Impounds	Ohio River
Length	1,132 feet
Reservoir
Normal elevation	538 feet above sealevel

The Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam is a very important structure on the Ohio River. It helps boats and barges travel safely along the river. This dam is located right where the states of Ohio and West Virginia meet. It was once known as the Gallipolis Lock and Dam.

About the Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam

The Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam is the 10th lock and dam system on the Ohio River. It is located about 280 miles downstream from the city of Pittsburgh. This system helps manage the river's water levels. It also allows large boats to move up and down the river easily.

What is a Lock and Dam?

A lock and dam system helps control the water level of a river. The dam part holds back water to create a deeper pool. This deeper water helps boats travel more easily. The lock part is like a water elevator for boats. It lets boats move between different water levels.

How the Locks Work

The Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam has four locks. These locks are chambers that fill with or empty water. This process raises or lowers boats to match the river's level.

• Main Lock: This lock is 1,200 feet long and 110 feet wide. It is used for large commercial barges. These barges carry many goods.
• Auxiliary Lock: This lock is 600 feet long and 110 feet wide. It is used when the main lock is busy or needs repairs.
• Smaller Locks: There are also two smaller locks. These are used for smaller boats, like recreational boats.

History of the Dam

Construction on the Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam began on August 25, 1937. It was opened to traffic in October 1937. The dam was originally named the Gallipolis Lock and Dam. It was later renamed to honor Robert C. Byrd. He was a long-serving United States Senator from West Virginia.

Over the years, parts of the dam have been updated. For example, the lock system has been replaced. This work cost about $244.5 million. The dam itself has also been repaired. These repairs cost around $46.7 million. These updates help the dam work well for many years.