While numerous inland waterways across Europe already use automation for remote operation of locks and bridges, daily operation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) locks is constrained by the technologies that were available at the time the Locks were designed – usually between 50 and 100 years ago. The concept of remote operation of various lock features is well established within the Corps. It is believed that all of the tasks and actions necessary to lock a vessel and tow through an Inland Marine Transportation System (IMTS) lock can be performed remotely.

Automating and remotely operating Corps locks will allow one set of operators in a central location to operate multiple facilities, Remote operation of multiple facilities can reduce operation costs and allow more funding flexibility for capital reinvestment and maintenance. Consolidated staffing would also allow for extended operating hours at facilities that are currently closed during times of low demand, a positive net benefit for industry and recreation users. This economy of scale continues to become more important as operations costs increase and river traffic changes.

Several Corps Districts, to include Pittsburgh and Vicksburg, are postured to implement projects that can demonstrate the viability of remote lock operations on a large scaled commercial waterway within the navigation system. Pittsburgh District has a shovel ready project at Grays Landing lock located at river mile 84 of the Monongahela River in Greensboro, PA. The proposed remote operation and control of the lock will be accomplished in two sequential phases. Phase I will consist of remotely controlling the lock from a location onsite that is out of view from the lock. Phase 2 will consist of remotely controlling lock from an offsite location.

If implemented across all Ohio River locks, cursory analysis indicates the potential for over $13M in annual savings.