Smithland Lock and Dam

Smithland Lock and Dam is a navigation facility that spans across the Ohio River where Kentucky and Illinois meet. It includes two locks that allow barges to pass through while maintaining consistent water levels downstream.

The facility was built between 1971 and 1980, replacing two older lock systems that previously served this stretch of the Ohio River. This newer construction improved river traffic by offering more efficient operations and greater capacity.

The Louisville District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers maintains this structure as part of the Ohio River navigation system.

The site offers viewpoints from nearby roads where you can watch barges pass through the locks. Visit during shipping season to see the facility in active operation with regular barge traffic.

The facility operates using eleven specialized Tainter gates that control water flow and river levels. These gates are the key mechanism behind the dam's ability to manage the Ohio River's dynamics.

GPS coordinates: 37.16640,-88.42840

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:45