C.W. Bill Young Lock & Dam

Website:
https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Pittsburgh-District/

Telephone Number:
(412) 828-3550

Location:
1 Barking Road, New Kensington, PA 15068

Description:

The C.W. Bill Young Lock and Dam, formerly known as Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 3, situated in Harmar Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and Plum, Pennsylvania, comprises a lock constructed in 1932 as part of a comprehensive system developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enhance navigation along the Allegheny River.

Positioned approximately 14.5 miles upstream from the Point in Downtown Pittsburgh, the C.W. Bill Young Lock and Dam plays a pivotal role in regulating water levels along the river. Upstream, the pool maintains an average water elevation of 734.5 feet above sea level, extending about 9.7 miles to Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 4. Downstream, Allegheny Pool No. 2 has an average water elevation of 721 feet above sea level, stretching about 7.8 miles to Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 2. Consequently, Lock No. 3 facilitates a vertical movement of approximately 13.5 feet for boats transitioning between these pools.

The site encompasses six contributing structures, including the dam, the lock, an esplanade, the operations building, a gauging station, and a lockkeeper's house. Notably, two 2-story frame lockkeeper's houses, constructed around 1907, were erected for the former lock and dam structures, with the older house at 301 Barking Road still standing.

Recognized for its historical significance, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 21, 2000.