Chittenden Lock officials announce lift to some COVID-19 restrictions

 

Some exciting news from our Corps of Engineers. This is copied from their website.

"SEATTLE --

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials will begin its next phases of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks reopening plan which include setting dates for the first floor of the visitors center to open on April 23 and access to the pedestrian bridges beginning April 28. The public restrooms will remain closed until May 3.

The fish ladder viewing area will remain closed until further notice due to an upcoming maintenance project. The historical administration building will remain closed to the public as well.

The decision to reopen these parts of the property was made based on COVID-19 community data and safety considerations. Officials wish to make clear that if the COVID-19 situation in the community gets worse, the restrictions could go back into place for the safety of Locks employees and to ensure no disruptions to lock operations.

“We are happy to welcome our commuters back to the locks,” said project manager Jon Hofstra. “We understand that it has been inconvenient for our neighbors to find alternative routes and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.”

Locks staff ask that commuters travel straight through and practice social distancing while crossing. Please do not stop and congregate to ensure continued safety for all visitors and staff.

The gate hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning April 28.

As a reminder masks are required on all Federal property in or outdoors.

For more information about activities at the Locks, visit the Locks’ Web site at https://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Locks-and-Dams/Chittenden-Locks/. Also follow the Locks on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChittendenLocks and Twitter, www.twitter.com/ChittendenLocks."

Before long, visitors will be able to view the fish ladder, cross the pedestrian bridges to the Magnolia side, and check out the exhibits in the Visitor Center. This comes with a warning that if the pandemic takes a turn for the worse, the access to all of this may change as necessary. So, observe all social and health protocols and enjoy some of what makes Seattle special at the locks.