Locks will open using manpower

After being out of commission since Sunday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is turning to manpower to get the large lock open and closed.

The Locks’ maintenance crew inspects the fuse box, which was damaged during the Oct. 11 lightning strike. Photo courtesy the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

On Sunday night, the large lock at the Ballard Locks was struck by lightning, knocking out the power. Engineers originally thought the lock would be closed for one day but after inspection changed that assessment to being closed at least the week.

Mike Likavec , an engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, inspects the large lock during a manual gate operation test. Photo courtesy the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Starting today, October 14th, the large lock will be manually opened twice each day – at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The lockages will go both directions, allowing vessels to head both into Puget Sound and to into Lake Washington. Barges and freighters on scheduled runs will get priority, followed by other commercial vessels and finally other barges or freighters could be included if there’s room. Recreational vessels can use the large lock if they can be accommodated, but the small lock is still open for their use.