Ballard Locks small chamber closure coming in January

The Ballard Locks small chamber will be closing for annual maintenance for two weeks in January.

Normally, the annual maintenance happens in March, but due to the scheduled Stoney Gate Valve replacement project on the large chamber from February to April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will do the small chamber work in January instead.

During the small chamber closure, crews will conduct typical maintenance and inspections, and will also repair a valve that’s not operating correctly.

“We want to ensure the small lock is in good working order before the next large chamber closure,” Operations Project Manager Jon Hofstra said in a statement about the closure.

During the small chamber closure (January 6 – 24), all pleasure boats will use the large lock, which means boaters should be prepared with appropriate equipment (long lines and fenders) and enough crew.

Photo: Mike Vigil | Ballard Locks on Facebook