Contact: Patricia Graesser 206-764-3750

SEATTLE -- The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard reopened to vessel traffic at 7:45 p.m., less than 12 hours after it closed June 27 for emergency maintenance, according to the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks.

The large lock was closed while crews made emergency repairs to the saltwater barrier, which sustained damage from contact with a transiting vessel and would not operate as designed. The barrier minimizes saltwater intrusion into the Lake Washington Ship Canal and helps to ensure the lake’s water quality standards are met. Repair crews drained the chamber the morning of June 27 and began repairs that afternoon to restore full navigation service as soon as possible.