Mississippi River Lock and Dam 6, Guidewall End Cell

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District
Published March 16, 2017
Updated: March 29, 2022
Purpose

The purpose of this project is to extend the longevity of the guidewalls at each of our locks and dams and to reduce operability issues and required maintenance. An end cell would provide adequate protection of the end monolith along the guidewalls, while the past crib grouting component will add stability.

Location

Lock and Dams 2 through 10, which are located from Hastings, Minnesota, to Guttenberg, Iowa.

Description

Guidewalls are long extensions of the lock walls, in either the upstream or downstream direction, that are parallel to the lock wall. At each of the Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2 through 10, guidewalls serve primarily to guide the long tows into the lock and to provide mooring facilities for tows too long to be accommodated in a single lockage.

Periodic inspections have found cracks on monoliths along the guidewalls at several locks. Often tow traffic mentions movement in the guidewalls.

Status

The Corps has evaluated the other lock and dam sites within the district for future construction projects. Plans and specifications for the downstream end cell at Lock and Dam 4 started in fiscal year 2022. A construction contract award is anticipated in early fiscal year 2023. A design contract is scheduled for award in fiscal year 2023 for Locks 5, 5A and 7.

Authority

Congress authorized the Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project as part of the Rivers and Harbors Act approved July 3, 1930.

Funding

In fiscal year 2021, initial funding was provided to analyze and determine the priority of new end cells based on need. Funding for the design and construction of the end cell at Lock and Dam 4 was received in fiscal year 2022.

Guidewall end cell design and construction at the locks and dams is completed with 100% federal funds.

Estimated project cost per site                   ~$6,500,000