Locks on the Erie Canal
The Erie Canal rises 566 feet from the Hudson River to Lake Erie through 57
(originally 83) locks. From tide-water level at Troy, the Erie Canal rises
through a series of locks in the Mohawk Valley to an elevation of 420 feet above
sea-level at the summit level at Rome. Continuing westward, it descends to an
elevation of 363 feet above sea-level at the junction with the Oswego Canal, and
finally rises to an elevation of 565.6 feet above sea-level at the Niagara
River.
How a Lock Works
In the early days of the canal, when horses and mules walked
the towpath, this is how a canal boat passed through a lock:
Today, boat owners are required to follow certain rules to
"lock through". The official New York State Canal System web site has
a page explaining How
to "Lock Through" Canal System Locks.
Size of the Locks
The original Erie Canal locks were 90 feet long and 15 feet
wide, and were designed for a canal boat 61 feet long and 7 feet wide, with a 3
1/2 foot draft.
The locks of today are 328 feet long and 45 feet wide, and can
accommodate vessels 300 feet long and 43.5 feet wide.
How to "Lock Through" Canal
System Locks
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Approaching the Lock:
On approaching the
lock, hail the Lock Operator on Marine
Channel 13 or sound three blasts on your
horn to signal that you are approaching
and request service. A red light
indicates the lock is not ready. Stop at
a safe distance and stand by for a green
light. Before entering the lock, check
that fenders are properly positioned.
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Entering the Lock:
A green light means come
ahead. Enter the lock slowly and stay in line of
approach. In the lock chamber, station vessels
alongside the lock wall as directed by the Lock
Operator. During the lockage, keep bow and stern
close to the wall by looping line to holding
apparatus (lines, ladders, cables or pipes) as
provided. DO NOT TIE LINES. Serious injury can
result from using hands and feet to fend a
moving boat off a wall. Use a boat hook, paddle
or oar. Do not wrap lines around hands or feet
as lines may tighten and cause injury.
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Exiting the Lock:
Take in lines when
lock gates are fully open and shove off
away from the wall. Proceed slowly out
of the lock chamber in order. Observe
"lock limit" speed before
increasing cruising speed.
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