The Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are implementing an interim solution for the guard wall at Wilson Lock in Florence, which will allow for normal operations to resume.
Back in August 2021, the floating wall that guides boats into the primary lock at Wilson Dam lost buoyancy, detached and sank to the bottom of the reservoir. This has resulted in in hours of delays for barges using the lock and longer processing time through the lock, according to an article published in Business Alabama in the June 2024 issue.
TVA expects that the interim solution, which is designed to last up to 10 years, will improve lock duration times for commercial vessels, reduce safety risks for workers and support the more than 11 million tons of goods that pass through the lock each year.
Starting on May 12, TVA began the mobilization of an interlocking system of three ocean barges, each at 195 feet long, and equipment, which will serve as an interim guard wall to help with navigating traffic at Wilson lock.
In June, lighting, handrails and electrical components were installed at a docking area near Pickwick Dam, so they could be immediately deployed after the Corps finished its repairs and reopened the lock.
The Corps will close the main lock to navigation July 14-28, while TVA installs the interim guard wall. An auxiliary lock will be open for navigation traffic during the installation.
TVA is providing construction management oversight with its Equipment Support Services Group providing boat services during positioning and installation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will manage lock traffic.
While the interim solution is in use, TVA will continue to collaborate with various partners to seek funding for a permanent floating wall that mirrors the design of the original solution, but includes modernized features.
