Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2–10: Embankment Rehabilitation Adjacent to Structures

Purpose

This embankment rehabilitation project addresses restoring embankments to meet current design standards. Overtopping protection adjacent to concrete structures is the priority for design and construction efforts; no increase in the height of the embankments is planned.

Location

Upper Mississippi Locks and Dams 2 through 10 are considered in this work.

Description

Earthfill embankments are integral to Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2 through 10. At these locks and dams, the existing rock protection is past its intended design life and does not perform satisfactorily. Wave action from high water causes continued widespread erosion. The purpose of this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project is to reestablish and armor degraded embankments to prevent further erosion and potential failure during high water events.

Status

Phase 1 construction work for embankments adjacent to structures at Lock and Dam 5A was completed in fiscal year 2017. A construction contract for Phase 2 of construction at Lock and Dam 4 was awarded in fiscal year 2018 for $893,000. Construction work was completed in fall 2019.

For Phase 2 of the Lock and Dam 5A project, the remaining embankment work is estimated to cost approximately $500,000. This work will help protect the Minnesota side of the spillway at Lock and Dam 5A, and it will be scheduled when funding is available. That work will mark the end of all such lock and dam embankment repair projects adjacent to concrete structures.

Authority

The Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project was authorized as part of the River and Harbor Act approved July 3, 1930.

Funding

Embankment rehabilitation work at the locks and dams is completed with 100% federal funds. No funds were received in fiscal year 2024.