Just days ago, the canal was damn near empty. That's because Lock 60 needed to be repaired and that just could not be done underwater.
The Schuylkill Canal Association (SCA) took the time to explain:
"Over time silt and logs have accumulated in front of the lock. This is a natural process created by erosion from the stream above Lock 60 and the river. The SCA informed Montgomery County of the issues (owners of Schuylkill Canal Park) with the lock. MontCo responded and hired a contractor to repair the lock. The contractor isolated the lock chamber with giant steel plates mounted at each end. Water was pumped out of the lock chamber exposing silt and logs that were blocking the gates.
The contractor removed the silt and logs and replaced broken hardware allowing the gates to freely move, repairing the lock.
During the repairs the water was drain from a portion of the canal. The weir gates near Lock 60 were cleaned out by a SCA volunteer allowing for free movement of weir gate. Water in the canal has been restored to it's normal level.
The Schuylkill Canal Association would like the thank Montgomery County Parks, Trails and Historic Sites and SCA volunteers for their assistance in keeping Lock 60 and Schuylkill Canal Park one of the most beautiful places in Montgomery County.
The SCA would like to invite the public to come out the 3rd Sunday of every month at 3;00 to see the Lock in operation.
The Schuylkill River Sojourn will arrive at Lock 60 on June 6th around 3:00. Watch over 60 boats lock through as they continue their journey down the Schuylkill River.
Also, Canal Day is Sunday June 24th. There will be three lock opening during the day complete with kid's games, story tellers, rides, joust, can jam, trail run, music and a beer garden. The event will be held at St. Michael Field and Lock 60."
So there you have it folks... Problem solved. Well done SCA! The citizens of Phoenixville and beyond thank you for preserving such a great amenity.
Lock 60 of the Schuylkill Canal is one of only two sections of the Schuylkill Navigation System that are still watered, and the only operating lock remaining on the Schuylkill River. The canal provides great canoe and kayaking opportunities, and is home to many different birds and turtles.
In the video below, a Great Egret scans the shallow canal for prey.
The Schuylkill Canal Association (SCA) took the time to explain:
"Over time silt and logs have accumulated in front of the lock. This is a natural process created by erosion from the stream above Lock 60 and the river. The SCA informed Montgomery County of the issues (owners of Schuylkill Canal Park) with the lock. MontCo responded and hired a contractor to repair the lock. The contractor isolated the lock chamber with giant steel plates mounted at each end. Water was pumped out of the lock chamber exposing silt and logs that were blocking the gates.
The contractor removed the silt and logs and replaced broken hardware allowing the gates to freely move, repairing the lock.
During the repairs the water was drain from a portion of the canal. The weir gates near Lock 60 were cleaned out by a SCA volunteer allowing for free movement of weir gate. Water in the canal has been restored to it's normal level.
The Schuylkill Canal Association would like the thank Montgomery County Parks, Trails and Historic Sites and SCA volunteers for their assistance in keeping Lock 60 and Schuylkill Canal Park one of the most beautiful places in Montgomery County.
The SCA would like to invite the public to come out the 3rd Sunday of every month at 3;00 to see the Lock in operation.
The Schuylkill River Sojourn will arrive at Lock 60 on June 6th around 3:00. Watch over 60 boats lock through as they continue their journey down the Schuylkill River.
Also, Canal Day is Sunday June 24th. There will be three lock opening during the day complete with kid's games, story tellers, rides, joust, can jam, trail run, music and a beer garden. The event will be held at St. Michael Field and Lock 60."
So there you have it folks... Problem solved. Well done SCA! The citizens of Phoenixville and beyond thank you for preserving such a great amenity.
Lock 60 of the Schuylkill Canal is one of only two sections of the Schuylkill Navigation System that are still watered, and the only operating lock remaining on the Schuylkill River. The canal provides great canoe and kayaking opportunities, and is home to many different birds and turtles.
In the video below, a Great Egret scans the shallow canal for prey.
Multiple trail connections, including the Schuylkill River Trail, are accessible from the park. Paddling the five-mile loop water trail is supported by two sets of access points. A demonstration of the opening of the lock is held on the third Sunday of every month at 3 PM.
The photo gallery below shows a few of the machines used to repair Lock 60.
The photo gallery below shows a few of the machines used to repair Lock 60.
