The new pilings being driven into place at the Canaveral Lock are a win-win. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than traditional pilings, but they are expected to last longer and save money in the end.
Contractors are removing and replacing 200-foot sections of the 600-foot long west approach guide wall during scheduled maintenance. Guide walls are used to help large commercial vessels to line up correctly so they are straight when they enter the lock.
“The contractor has removed the old chemically-treated pilings and is driving new fiberglass and concrete composite marine pilings,” said Carl Williams, chief of Navigation and Flood Risk Management. “The new pilings should last more than 50 years and don’t require preservatives as wood pilings do. We’re being more environmentally friendly and get a longer lasting piling in return.”
The Lock has been closed weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., though vessels can still lock through between 6 and 7 a.m. and again between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The east approach guide wall is scheduled to be replaced when the west wall is complete, and construction is expected to continue through spring 2016.