Dashields Locks and Dam

Dashields Locks and Dam is a navigation system on the Ohio River near Pittsburgh that allows boats and barges to pass through different water levels. The facility has two large locks where vessels enter chambers that fill or drain to raise or lower the boats safely upstream and downstream.

The facility was built in 1929 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve shipping on the Ohio River. It became one of several locks constructed to support the region's role as a major transportation corridor for goods moving between industrial centers.

The locks system enables both commercial shipping operations and recreational boats to navigate through different water levels of the Ohio River.

The facility has viewing areas where you can watch the locks in operation throughout the day. The locks function continuously, so you can visit at any time and observe vessels passing through the chambers.

The dam extends 1,799 feet across the Ohio River and maintains a water storage capacity of 17,000 acre-feet across 1,210 acres.

Location: Allegheny County

GPS coordinates: 40.55060,-80.20410

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:41