Corps of Engineers ahead of schedule at Olmsted Dam Project

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Credit Army Corps of Engineers

The Army Corps of Engineers is ahead of schedule with its construction of the Olmsted Locks and Dam project. The Corps placed five concrete shells for the dam so far in 2012, and expects to finish a sixth by the end of the year. Previously workers have only completed 4 shells per year.

Corps’ spokesman John Fleshman says they expect to continue working while the weather allows.  

“The plan is to complete the taner gate section, which is nearest to the Illinois side, next year,” Fleshman said. “And then get on with the navigable pass section. And they are still looking at a 2020 date for the locks and dams to be operational.”

The corps is replacing Dams 52 and 53. 90 million tons of cargo is shipped on the Ohio River every year, making it one of the busiest stretches for commercial shipping in the United States.