Kentucky River Locks 1–4 Renovations

When it came time to renovate Locks 1–4, the Kentucky River Authority (KRA) needed a partner who understood the critical lock and dam system along the Kentucky River. Based on a nearly 25-year relationship, in which we conducted an assessment of the entire system among other projects, KRA reached out to our team help with these important renovations over the span of seven years.

Drawing on our knowledge of the sites, we prepared a design alternatives document that addressed miter gate removal and access options and included prioritization of lock repair items, rehabilitation of existing miter gate components, and construction cost and schedule impacts associated with long lead item fabrications. Our process included in-the-wet approaches to lock repairs, eliminating the need for costly dewatering of the lock and mitigating stability risks with the masonry lock walls.

In addition to the renovation of the four locks, we also helped with renovation of the upper guide wall at Lock 1 and rehabilitation of Dam 3. Both structures were in a progressive state of failure prior to the work starting.

Through these efforts, KRA helped restore navigation from the Ohio River to and along the Kentucky River to Frankfurt, Kentucky. Since the completion of the lock projects, the river has experienced additional tourist traffic, benefiting the small and rural communities along that stretch.