New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam

New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam is a navigation structure spanning the Savannah River with five vertical lift gates near Augusta. The lock chamber opens and closes to manage water movement, allowing boats to pass through while controlling river levels upstream.

The Army Corps of Engineers completed this lock and dam in 1937 as an authorized navigation improvement project. It was built to allow riverboats to move upstream more easily while maintaining steady water levels for trade and transport.

The structure marks the site where a former town once stood, connecting the region to its maritime trading past. Today, people still gather here to witness the rhythm of river commerce and transportation.

The lock is open to visitors who want to watch boats pass through or fish along the riverbanks. Plan your visit for daylight hours to see the gates operate and observe the water management system in action.

The facility uses five separate lift gates instead of one solid structure, allowing more precise control of water flow for different boat sizes. This split-gate design was innovative when built and helped boats transition smoothly between river sections.

Location: Georgia

Location: South Carolina

GPS coordinates: 33.37260,-81.94080

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:01