HASTINGS, Minn. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has halted daytime navigation through Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings to install new gates. The project is expected to completed Thursday. Being replaced:
> 178-ton upstream gates, 27 feet tall.
> 133-ton downstream gates, 30 feet tall.
The old gates, from the 1940s had been damaged and distressed, which has led to serviceability and safety issues. The new gates will increase navigational longevity and operational readiness, the Corps said. River traffic queued by closure will be allowed through in this order: Government vessels, excursion vessels, commercial vessels, and recreation boats.
Hoisting carefully. The Army Corps of Engineers is replacing 80-year-old miter gates at its Hastings locks. Image: George Stringham