TULSA, Okla.-  On Tuesday August 28, members of the media, stakeholders, and invited guests will have a rare opportunity to visit Chouteau Lock and Dam and see inside an empty lock chamber. The Corps of Engineers maintenance crews from Tulsa and Little Rock Districts will be working to install a new pintle ball that supports and allows a lock gate to open and close.

The removal of the pintal ball requires dewatering the lock chamber and physically lifting the entire gate section to replace it. The dewatering also allows for an inspection and required maintenance.

Please inform the Tulsa District Public Affairs Office at 918-669-7365 if you are planning to attend.

The public is not being invited because of space limitations and safety hazards that are  present.

During the dewatering, this will be a heavy equipment work site, and safety precautions are observed at all times.  Prior to entering the work site, all visitors must receive a 3-5 minute safety briefing.  Hard hats will be issued, and their use is required. No open-toed shoes will be permitted, and it is not advisable to wear shorts or loose-flowing clothing. 

The work site can be quite warm (and smelly) due to the heavy equipment operation and direct exposure to sunlight. Anyone with physical concerns or special needs should contact the Tulsa District Public Affairs Office at 918-669-7366 prior to the event date.

This work will result in the closure of this portion of the navigation system for approximately three weeks.