Lock and Dam No. 3

Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 3
Location Red Wing, Minnesota / Diamond Bluff, Pierce County, Wisconsin, USA
Coordinates 44°36′36″N 92°36′37″W / 44.61000°N 92.61028°W / 44.61000; -92.61028Coordinates: 44°36′36″N 92°36′37″W / 44.61000°N 92.61028°W / 44.61000; -92.61028
Construction began 1935
Opening date July 1938
Operator(s) United States Army Corps of Engineers
Dam and spillways
Impounds Upper Mississippi River
Length 365 feet (111.3 m) (movable portion)
Reservoir
Creates Pool 3
Total capacity 1,110,000 acre·ft (1.37 km3)
Catchment area 45,170 sq mi (117,000 km2)

Lock and Dam No. 3 is a lock and dam located near Red Wing, Minnesota on the Upper Mississippi River around river mile 796.9. It was constructed and placed in operation July 1938. The site underwent major rehabilitation from 1988 through 1991. The dam is 365 feet (111.3 m) long with 4 roller gates. More than 2,000 feet (609.6 m) of earth embankment with a series of upstream spot dikes completes the structure to create Pool 3. The lock chamber is 110 feet (33.5 m) wide by 600 feet (182.9 m) long.

Today, many types of vessels use the lock which annually passes more than 11 million tons of cargo, including farm products, chemicals and crude materials as the main items shipped. Each year more than 20,000 recreational craft use Lock 3, making it one of the most popular locks on the river. Also, a number of boats involved with fishing tournament utilize the lock.

See also

Locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi River
Upstream:
Lock and Dam No. 2
Downstream:
Lock and Dam No. 4
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