Also known as: Chicago River Lock Built: 1938 Designed by: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Type: Transportation Facility Maximum width: 80 feet / 24 meters Maximum depth: 22.4 feet / 7 meters Maximum length: 600 feet / 183 meters Location: 108 North Streeter Drive, Chicago, United States
W ith the decline in passenger transportation on U.S. waterways since the late 1800's, only a small percentage of Americans have ever experienced this mode of transportation. That makes a quick trip on a sightseeing boat one of the most memorable Chicago experiences for hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting the Windy City each year. Those who spring for a cruise which includes both lake and river travel will get a chance to experience an engineering novelty - the Chicago Harbor Lock. This is the device that keeps the Chicago River's water level below that of Lake Michigan, helping the river continue its unnatural flow. At the same time, it allows vessels to make the transition from the higher Lake Michigan water into the lower water of the Chicago River and vice versa.
The change in elevation from Lake Michigan to the Chicago river varies from one to four feet.
Though the lock is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it is actually operated by a private company.
An estimated 50,000 vessels go through the lock each year.
An estimated 900,000 passengers go through the lock each year.
An estimated 200,000 tons of cargo go through the lock each year.
