Dive into the heart of the Erie Canal with one of McLaren’s marine inspection teams, in the video above, as they conduct a routine inspection of the Lock E-24 guard gate in Baldwinsville, NY!
Scaling two 45-ft. steel-frame towers, the team performed a structural and mechanical assessment of the gate, documenting observed conditions and capturing alignment data through laser measurements.
Following the inspection, the team will submit a report summarizing major findings, element-specific technical summaries, general condition ratings, and a prioritized list of recommended maintenance items. This type of inspection and reporting is vital to the client, as it guides them in creating an approach to maintain the structural integrity and smooth operation of the guard gate.
Guard gates serve a crucial function in the canal system, regulating water flow between the canal’s open (navigation) season and throughout the closed winter (non-navigation) season. These structures also serve as a built-in emergency response system for the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC), who will raise or lower the gates to mitigate the effects of flooding. Conducting routine structural inspections and delivering informed guidance on asset management strategies are essential services that McLaren provides to support safe operation of the Erie Canal and to help preserve this historic navigational waterway.