USACE: Monongahela River works in full swing

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Pittsburgh District is accelerating progress on the Monongahela River.

The Pittsburgh District is on track to open a 100-foot-wide navigation channel through the dam at Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 near Elizabeth, PA this week – months ahead of the original December 2024 timeline.

“After breaching the dam with controlled explosives on July 10, our team is working closely with contractors to restore a 9-foot draft, allowing commercial navigation without the need for the lock. This milestone is crucial for enhancing river transit and supporting our local economy,” said USACE.

Following the channel opening, they will begin demolishing the lock walls next year as part of the larger Lower Monongahela River Project – a $1.1 billion federal investment revitalizing one of the nation’s oldest inland navigation systems.

According to USACE, these improvements will save commercial tows at least one hour of transit time, with expected annual benefits of $200 million to the U.S. economy.