ERIE CANAL BETWEEN LOCK E-12 (TRIBES HILL) AND LOCK E-14 (CANAJOHARIE) TO REMAIN CLOSED FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS

Void discovered under pier at Lock E-13 (Yosts) movable dam

 The Erie Canal between Locks E-12 (Tribes Hill) and E-14 (Canajoharie) will remain closed for two-to-three weeks due to emergency repairs on the movable dam at Lock E-13 (Yosts), the New York State Canal Corporation announced today.

“We understand that this closure will be an inconvenience to those who utilize the Erie Canal in the Mohawk Valley; we are focusing all available resources on completing these necessary repairs and re-opening the canal as soon as possible,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “This work is being done for the safety of both the boating public and Canal Corporation employees.

Originally constructed in 1917, Lock E-13’s movable dam has been undergoing a $15.5 million rehabilitation since 2010. After discovering an unusual condition in the structure late last week, the Canal Corporation used a specialized grouting technique in an attempt to remedy the situation, but that proved to be unsuccessful. After a more detailed inspection on Monday, a void underneath the dam’s pier was discovered.

The Canal Corporation and its contractor, Tioga Construction, have already begun repairs. This work involves a combination of grouting and concrete work. In order to ensure the dam's structural integrity, these repairs must be completed now and cannot be postponed.

The dam’s gates are fully opened and no water is being impounded.

The Lock E-13 site is closed to the public and media because access to the area is limited.