Captains Log

Construction on the new and much larger lock continues on schedule. The new lock which will be large enough to transfer up to 9 barges a one time up or down the 50 foot change in elevation. The current lock could only handle 1 barge at a time.

Why the construction of a new lock? The US Army Corps of Engineers released statistics in 2006 that in 2006 alone, a total of 1,175,788 tons of commodities were received through the Chickamauga lock. These shipments had a combined value of more than $337,000,000.

Tennessee is second only to Louisiana in goods shipped per state with more than 286,000 tons and $173,000,000 worth of goods.

Tennessee is first in goods received through the lock at 940,000 tons and a combined value of more than $180,000,000.

The five year construction project is scheduled to complete in 2014 if funding is available on schedule.

The first contract of $7,000,000 was an 18 month project relocating Lake Resort Drive, and building bridges and 2 round-a-bouts to make room for the new lock.

The second and current contract, of $83,000,000 over 3 years, is building coffer dams.

The Third contract which is currently being drawn up for the final phase, in the $250,000,000 range, over 5 years.

The lock remains open for business and travel up and down the Tennessee River at Chattanooga has been generally un-restricted.

Be sure to come visit us in Chattanooga this coming boating season. We have plenty to do, and places to visit on your cruising schedule. We have great homes on the water for sale if you are in the relocation mode.

Our next post will spotlight the Chattanooga Waterfront for your “Destination Chattanooga Cruise Adventure”.

Have a safe boating and cruising trip. See you on the Tennessee River soon.