The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard will close to all marine traffic 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 17 for a monthly saltwater drain screen structure inspection.

The structure, immediately upstream of the locks, prevents salmon from entering the locks’ saltwater return intake. U.S. Navy divers from Naval Base Kitsap, closed 10, 10-foot-by-6-foot doors and inspected the 30-by-60 foot curved-front, mesh screen structure June 6. Monthly inspections are required until the doors are opened mid-September.

The operation requires the Locks be closed to all but emergency vessels on emergency calls. The staff will make maximum efforts to complete the work as soon and as safely as possible. Boaters may call the lockmaster on duty at 206-783-7000 to verify the locks are open.

For more information about activities at the Locks, visit the Locks’ Web site at http://bit.ly/BallardLocks. Also follow the Locks on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/chittendenlocks and http://twitter.com/ChittendenLocks.

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