It is time for the annual inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the small lock!
On March 13, the water remaining in the chamber was pumped out so the lower walls and floor are accessible.
The pumps for this operation are located underneath the Administration Building. If you peek in the basement windows, you may be able to see some of the plumbing for the pumps.
It takes about 4 hours to drain the small lock whereas the large lock (pictured left) requires about 10 hours to pump dry. See previous entries on the Large Lock Pump Out and More Pump Out Pictures.
Without unforeseen findings, the small lock re-opened to boat traffic by March 23.
See the Official Hiram M. Chittenden Locks page for the most current updates and information about the locks and the ship canal.
