The district restricted access to the lock following September 11, 2001, as a security precaution, but district officials now support allowing the public into these areas to foster better community relations and to let people see how the lock facilitates movement of commerce within the U.S. inland waterways system.
“After more than a decade of significant restrictions, we are excited to be able to reopen Nickajack Lock to the public during daylight hours,” said Lt. Col. John L. Hudson, Nashville District commander. “We are committed to balancing the need for security with the interest people have in visiting the facilities and watching boats lock through the dam as they move up and down the Tennessee River.”
Nickajack Lock is one of 10 locks (14 including auxiliary locks) located on the 650-plus navigable miles in the Tennessee River Basin. The lock is 110 feet wide and 600 feet long. The project is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority, but the Corps of Engineers maintains and operates the lock for navigation.
The lock is located at Mile 424.7 of the Tennessee River in Marion County. For more information, contact the Nickajack lockmaster at 423-942-3985.
