Opekiska Lock and Dam

Opekiska Lock and Dam is a navigation structure spanning the Monongahela River that maintains adequate water depth for commercial and recreational vessels traveling between Fairmont and Pittsburgh. The facility features a single-chamber lock design that allows boats and barges to navigate elevation changes in the river.

The lock and dam were constructed between 1961 and 1964, replacing two earlier timber structures that dated to 1903. This modernization effort was part of a larger initiative to improve navigation capabilities along the Monongahela River system during the mid-20th century.

The lock and dam system represents the engineering achievements of the mid-20th century, demonstrating the importance of water management in American infrastructure development.

The Army Corps of Engineers operates the facility according to seasonal guidelines for commercial and recreational traffic. Conditions can change based on weather and water levels, so checking current operational status beforehand helps with planning.

The reservoir created behind this structure extends upstream for several miles and affects water levels in tributary streams beyond what many visitors might expect. The influence of this engineering project spreads through the larger river system in ways that shape the hydrology across multiple waterways.