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The Montgomery Locks and Dam’s new chamber project on the Ohio River, and the “other” inland waterways system — Columbia River System — were among the topics discussed at a conference session entitled “America’s inland waterways: progress, delays, and what’s ahead under a new administration” at the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans on Wednesday.
Scott Harshman, marketing and program manager for the Port of Pittsburgh Commission, gave an overview of the port with a focus on both multi-billion-dollar lock and dam projects in southwestern Pennsylvania — the near completion of the Lower Monongahela River Project and the start of the Upper Ohio River Project.
“It's important to have full and efficient Army Corps of Engineers funding to keep these projects on schedule, especially with the new lock project underway at the Montgomery Locks and Dam on the Ohio River,” said Harshman.
The Montgomery Locks and Dam were built between 1932 and 1936 to gain increased control over the water level in the navigation pool upriver of the dam.
Late last year, the Corps’ Pittsburgh District awarded a $770 million contract to a joint venture between Trumbull Corp., Pittsburgh, and Brayman Construction Corp. of nearby Saxonburg, Pa., to build a new primary lock chamber at Montgomery. The project is part of the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
According to the Corps, the modernization effort addresses aging infrastructure that is increasingly at risk of failure. “The Corps said there was a 50% chance of structural failure” if nothing was done to fix the lock chamber problems, said Harshman.
Construction activities began in spring 2025 with the removal process of the existing auxiliary lock chamber. River traffic continues to use the current primary lock while construction is underway. Once completed, the new chamber will address the industry’s need for larger infrastructure capable of handling modern commercial barges.
Harshman also touched on the CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program) diesel marine engine retrofit program in partnership with the USDOT, PennDOT, their local MPO, and private industry that has helped to upgrade 35 towboat engines with a total investment of over $28 million to date.
Neil Maunu, executive director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association said the inland waterways system on the Columbia/Snake River runs from Portland, Ore., to Lewiston, Idaho — 365 miles — has a depth of 14 ft., includes eight locks and dams, and carries 8.5 million tons of cargo annually.
“Our region has it all,” he said, “coastal ports, large and small, inland ports, private terminals, marinas, and a variety of commodities.
More than 60% of the state of Washington’s wheat exports utilize the river system, which is essential for supporting an overseas export market along with providing nearly 4,000 jobs in the region.
