Accidents

Allision Temporarily Closes Montgomery Lock

Montgomery Lock and Dam, located on the Ohio River in Monaca, Pa., 32 miles downriver from Pittsburgh, was temporarily closed after a dredge’s spud apparently struck its sill, according to lock leader Dean Johnston.

The incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. on June 13, Johnston said. The dredge was not damaged and was able to continue. The spud, which dredges use to anchor themselves on the river bottom during dredging operations, was 8 to 10 feet long, he said.

Because cavitation in the water indicated a crack might have been created in the sill, the lock had to be shut down until it could be investigated, said Johnston. At press time no schedule for reopening had been announced.