LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – From 1 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27-Sept. 3, the Army Corps of Engineers will close Dardanelle lock on the Arkansas River so workers can “dewater” it and perform scheduled maintenance and inspections.
Dardanelle Lock is located at Russellville.
Because no vessels will be allowed to lock through during this seven-day period, officials at the Corps’ Little Rock district advise commercial shippers and pleasure boaters to plan accordingly.
The officials say that while this scheduled closure can inconvenience boaters and commercial shippers, it is preferable to a breakdown that can result in long, unscheduled lock closures.
During a dewatering, temporary dams are installed outside each lock gate. The water in the lock is drained to allow access to areas normally under water. Workers inspect the lock and repair worn or damaged parts.
Should work be completed ahead of schedule, the lock will reopen at that time.