Kentucky Lock Addition Project Reaches First Monolith Top-out Milestone | Article

GRAND RIVERS, Ky. – On October 12, 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, in collaboration with contractor Thalle Construction, marked a major milestone in the Kentucky Lock Addition Project with the first downstream monolithic top-out stretch of the project’s Monolith Contract lock out. This achievement reflects significant progress in the construction of the new lock, which aims to improve navigational efficiency on the Tennessee River.

The milestone was reached with the final concrete elevator placed on monolith L31 at the downstream end of the lock. From 1:30 a.m. to 7:55 a.m., Thalle Construction crews finished installing the final five-foot layer of concrete, called a lift. A total of 17 elevators were built to complete this monolith.

“This is a huge step forward for the Kentucky Lock Addition Project,” said Army Capt. Rachel Nelson, Kentucky Lock Addition project manager. “The successful construction of the Monolith L31 is a reflection of the commitment and hard work of our entire team. It is the first of many milestones that will bring this project closer to completion.”

The Kentucky Lock Addition Project is building 50 monoliths under this contract, 35 of which are currently in the construction phase. Each monolith is constructed from successive five-foot-tall concrete elevators to create the soaring columns that form the core of the lock structure. While the first top-out is completed, the team remains focused on completing the remaining monoliths.

Monolith L31, located on the downstream side of the lock, is at a lower elevation compared to other monoliths that will ultimately surround the lock chamber, which will be at a higher elevation. The varying monolith heights reflect the complex engineering required to support the design and functionality of the castle.

“We still have many monoliths to complete, but this first top-out is an important milestone that gives us confidence for the future,” added Nelson. “Our team will continue to work diligently with the contractor to ensure the Kentucky Lock Addition is built safely and to the highest standards.”

The Kentucky Lock Addition Project aims to reduce delays caused by heavy river traffic along the Tennessee River. When completed, the new lock chamber will be 1,200 feet long and 110 feet wide, providing space for modern tugboats and large merchant vessels that often have to wait in bottlenecks for the existing 600-foot-long lock. The expanded capacity will significantly improve commercial and recreational vessel traffic, reduce waiting times and increase operational efficiency. This improvement is expected to contribute to regional economic growth by streamlining freight transportation and increasing the river’s reliability as a transportation corridor.

With 35 monoliths actively under construction and more milestones on the horizon, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Thalle Construction remain committed to moving the project forward safely and efficiently.

The public can receive news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest employment and contract opportunities in the Nashville District at