News Release
| Release Number: | 97-126 |
| Dated: | 12/18/1997 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
Willamette Falls Locks closed
Portland, Ore. -- Operators at Willamette Falls Locks, at West Linn, Ore., worked for six hours today to free a tug and barge attempting to lock through the multi-chambered project. Gate No. 6, on the upstream end of the project, would not open.
A "stack valve" used to regulate pressure in the hydraulic system which controls the gate failed and forced operators to open the gate manually. The valve changes the flow of hydraulic fluid in the system at specific times based on when the gates are opened or closed.
Operators were able to free the tug by 2 p.m. and lock through one other vessel before the system failed to respond to the manual method.
The Corps will have a contractor on site Friday at 8 a.m. to fix the faulty valve. The locks are expected to be reopened before Saturday.
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