LaGrange Lock

Just passin’ through — The Motor Vessel Thomas Kennedy was the first boat to transit the lock chamber at the LaGrange Lock and Dam on the Illinois River. (Photo by Brian DeLoche)

Open for business

With little fanfare and hundreds of union and contract workers lining the safety rail, the Motor Vessel Thomas Kennedy made its way through the open… Login to continue reading Login…

One big, heavy gate, one bigger heavier crane — The first of four new miter gates was lowered into position at the LaGrange Lock Saturday morning. The gate measuring 63 feet wide and 24 feet tall and weighing 110 tons, was lowered into place by a $33 million crane capable of lifting one million pounds. (Photo by Brian DeLoche)

New gates being set at LaGrange lock

With the fall harvest season now in full swing, and a mid-October completion deadline looming,work on upgrading the LaGrange Lock & Dam project continues at… Login to continue reading Login…

Tight quarters— Heavy equipment operators have to keep their heads on swivels to operate safely and avoid other heavy machines operating in the tight space of the lock chamber at the LaGrange Lock & Dam. (Photo by Brian DeLoche.)

LaGrange lock undergoing major reconstruction

It took nearly three years to build and when it was completed, it was expected to last 50 years. Now 80 years later, the LaGrange… Login to continue reading Login…