Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway Regional Transportation Study: Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway Lock System Performance and Alternatives for Indicating Capacity

摘要

The report contains an overview of factors affecting the locking process and locking procedures for the different lock systems. The results of an analysis of locking time data for the lock systems is presented. Based on locking time data, engineering judgement, and interviews with lock operators eight lock time components were estimated for use in capacity studies. Alternatives for capacity expansion including physical improvements and changes in operating procedures were developed to meet the projected cargo demands without exceeding the capacities of the lock systems. Alternatives were evaluated regarding increased capacity, methods of implementation, general effectiveness and cost. Six general catagories of alternatives were studied and included reduced time by lockage, increased ship capacity, increased tonnage per lock, season extension, duplicate locks and other alternatives.