Smithland Lock and Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Smithland Lock and Dam
Location	Kentucky/Illinois border
Coordinates	37°09′59″N 88°25′42″W / 37.1664°N 88.4284°W / 37.1664; -88.4284
Construction began	1971
Opening date	1980
Operator(s)	United States Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Concrete fixed weir with 11 Tainter gates
Impounds	Ohio River
Length	2,951 feet
Reservoir
Normal elevation	324 feet above sealevel

The Smithland Lock and Dam is an important structure on the Ohio River. It's the 18th lock and dam you'd find if you traveled down the river. This dam helps boats and barges move safely along the water. It is located far downstream from Pittsburgh and not too far from where the Ohio River joins the mighty Mississippi River.

The dam has two special "locks." These locks are like water elevators for large commercial barges. Each lock is super long, about 1,200 feet, and 110 feet wide. This allows big boats to pass through easily.

Building the Smithland Lock and Dam

The idea for the Smithland Lock and Dam started a long time ago. It was officially approved in 1965. The main goal was to replace two older structures on the Ohio River, called Lock and Dam 50 and Lock and Dam 51. These older dams were not as efficient for modern river traffic.

Building the Smithland Lock and Dam began in 1971. It took several years of hard work to complete this big project. Finally, the dam was opened and ready for use in 1980.

What is a Lock and Dam?

A lock and dam system is a clever way to help boats travel on rivers that have different water levels. Imagine a river that flows downhill. A dam creates a deeper pool of water upstream. The "lock" is like a chamber with gates at both ends.

How a Lock Works

When a boat wants to go upstream, it enters the lock from the lower water level. The gates close, and water is pumped into the lock. This raises the boat up to the higher water level. Then, the upstream gates open, and the boat can continue its journey.

If a boat wants to go downstream, the process is reversed. The boat enters the lock from the higher water level. Water is then released from the lock, lowering the boat. Once it reaches the lower water level, the downstream gates open, and the boat can leave.

Why Smithland is Important

The Smithland Lock and Dam helps keep the Ohio River open for shipping. Many goods, like coal, grain, and oil, are moved by barges on the river. Without locks and dams, it would be much harder for these large barges to travel. This system makes river transport efficient and helps the economy.