Groundbreaking for new Chickamauga Lock Begins
Posted June 18, 2005 - chattanoogan.com

Work on the $309 million project to replace the crumbling Chickamauga Lock begins within the next 30 days.

The first $6 million piece of the work was awarded Friday to a Detroit, Mich., firm under a minority set-aside.

Kevin Parikh, executive vice president of Lakeshore Engineering Services, said his firm will use a number of local workers on the project to relocate Lakeshore Drive away from the lock.

The project includes a new roadway and two new bridges. Mr. Parikh, whose firm is Asian-Indian owned, said the bridges will be subcontracted.

Mr. Parikh said his firm just completed a new entryway to Fort Knox.

Plans are to construct a coffer dam, then proceed with replacing the current 60'x360'-foot lock with a new 110'x600'-lock. It is due to be ready in 2012 - depending on continued funding from Congress. A Senate committee has approved the full $10 million needed for this fiscal year.

Sens. Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander were among dignitaries on hand for ceremonies at the lock on Saturday afternoon. Bill Baxter, the new TVA board chairman, also took part.

Rep. Zach Wamp, whose priority has been securing the funds to replace the lock, was the master of ceremonies.

One of the new bridges will go across North Chickamauga Creek near the Hixson greenway.

Officials said the new road will provide a more direct route to Highway 153. There will be a roundabout built next to Highway 153.

The replacement is needed because of a unique concrete growth problem that has afflicted the lock since soon after it was built. The Corps of Engineers has been spending $2 million to $3 million per year to deal with the problem.

Officials said the bigger lock will be able to handle today's jumbo barges much easier and faster.

Chickamauga currently has an average locking time of almost eight hours per tow. It is the highest average in the Ohio River System.

The lock is to remain open to navigation during much of the construction.