The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks has been reopened on a normal operating schedule.

The large lock was in limited operation from Oct. 10 until Nov. 9 due to an electrical power surge from a lightning strike. I was closed down on Nov. 10 for annual maintenance.

The damages from the power surge were more extensive than the maintenance crew originally thought. The main damage occurred in the large lock's hydraulic system driver and relay cards. Relay cards tell the hydraulic system what fluids to pump and control the speed of the opening and closing of the gates.

Because the center gates still require additional parts before they are fully operational, large lockings will be done using the full chamber.

For current information about activities at the locks, visit the Locks’ Web site at http://go.usa.gov/3sV.