Seaway Operations

The locks and U.S. part of the Seaway were scheduled to open for shipping on April 15, 1962. Eisenhower lock was ready for operation on March 22, Snell lock on March 29, and all navigation aids upstream of Eisenhower lock were placed and operating before the season opened. Ice breaking in the canal between Eisenhower and Snell locks was started on March 21, by the Corporation tug Robinson Bay. Work boats and buoy tenders were locked through both locks after April 1.

Difficulties were experienced in retaining water in the Eisenhower lock chamber on April 12. An investigation by divers revealed a crack along the first horizontal construction joint under the concrete miter-gate sill. Stop logs were placed, the lock chamber unwatered, and after a detailed investigation it was decided to repair the sill in place.

The sill was repaired by grouting the crack and drilling and anchoring the concrete block with reinforcing anchors. Corps of Engineers, contractor, and Corporation personnel worked around the clock. At midnight on April 21, Eisenhower lock was again flooded and ready for operation. While repair work was underway at Eisenhower lock, the corresponding miter-gate sill at Snell lock was drilled and anchored with reinforcing rods as a precautionary measure.

The 1962 season began with the downbound lockage of the ship Murray Bay through Eisenhower lock at 3:22 a.m. on April 23.

The U.S. part of the Seaway and the locks were closed for the winter season on December 8.

The tag Williams was delivered to Cavens Point, N.J., in October, under her own power, by a Corporation crew, for eventual transfer to the Government of Pakistan.

5

During the 1962 navigation season, shipping delays were caused by failure of the miter-gate sill at the Eisenhower lock, inclement weather, malfunctioning of lock equipment, and vessel incidents. A summary of the traffic stoppages for the season, compared with the 1961 season, is shown below.

HAMILTON

Of the several ship incidents that damaged Seaway facilities during 1962, four were serious enough to warrant our attempting to recover damages. The least damage caused by the four incidents was to the Eisenhower lock and amounted to $250, which has been recovered.

The ship ELPIS striking the upper guard wall at Eisenhower lock late in November caused the most costly damage. Repair of this damage is estimated to cost from $25,000 to $60,000.

KINGSTON

MASSENA

OGDENSBURG

MONTREAL