Repairs underway on Lock & Dam 8 in Genoa

GENOA, Wis. (WKBT) — A lock and dam on the Mississippi River will be closed for the first time in almost two decades.

Crews from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are currently working on draining the water from lock number 8 in Genoa. It’s all part of maintenance on the lock and dam which happens about every 15 to 20 years.

Once the lock is drained, crews will began repairing its gates and any structural damage. They’ll also work on rehabilitating concrete on the lock walls.

Workers know they’re on a tight deadline so working through the winter weather is key to finishing the project. “These guys do a great job. You notice that it wasn’t perfect conditions out here today and even in all the cold weather, they’ve been out here every single day because they know there is a definite start and a definite finish, and I think they deserve a lot of credit for this,” said project manager Joe Schroetter.

Crews plan to re-open the lock and dam March 10th. 

23934840