![Aerial image of Hannibal Locks and Dam, Ohio River](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090109015217im_/http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/nav/images/hanni_aerial.jpg)
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Hannibal
Locks and Dam
P.O. Box 8
Hannibal, OH 43931-0008
740-483-2305
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Hannibal Locks and Dam is one of six
major river facilities on the upper Ohio River. An observation
platform and visitors facility are at the lock site. The visitors
center includes a unique wicket dam and maneuver boat depicting the
history of navigation on the Ohio River. The area adjacent to the
visitors area includes a public day-use area with picnic tables,
grills, a shelter, parking areas and restroom facilities.
Location
Hannibal Locks and Dam lies on the right descending bank in Monroe
County, Ohio. The locks are directly across from the town of New
Martinsville, WV A private hydropower facility is located on the
abutment side of the dam in New Martinsville. The project can be
reached either by following Ohio Route 7 or by following Route 2
on the West Virginia side, across the bridge in New Martinsville.
History
Construction of the Hannibal lock chambers began in 1967 and was
completed in 1972 when the locks were opened to river traffic. Work
on the high-lift gated dam began in 1970 and was completed in 1975.
The installation replaced three older wicket-type projects, Locks
and Dams 12, 13 and 14.
Project Information
The Hannibal project has a gated dam, one of the two major types
in service in the Pittsburgh District. Gated dams are constructed
to permit increased control over the water level in the navigation
pool upriver of the dam. Machinery mounted on tall concrete piers
moves large chains which lift gates that are hinged into the body
of the piers. As the gates are raised or lowered to control the
amount of water flowing under them, the upstream pool is maintained
at a relatively constant level for an authorized depth of at least
9 feet throughout its length. The dam, however, cannot be operated
to control flood flows. An incidental benefit derived from the pool
formed by the dam is the availability of a source of municipal and
industrial water.
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