The large lock channel on the west end of the Chittenden Locks, better known as the Ballard Locks, between the railroad bridge and the entrance to the large lock, will be restricted in width starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9 as Manson Construction's crane barge Scandia begins doing work for the City of Seattle and Washington Department of Natural Resources in the area.

The restrictions are scheduled to be in place until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, though the city and Washington Department of Natural Resources are trying to get the work done in three days.

The barge is 220 feet by 75 feet in the beam and will be tied up to the north wing wall of the locks. During the time frame, it will be moved 150 feet from the railroad bridge east towards the large lock entrance.

This is not an Army Corps of Engineers project, which runs the Locks, though the Corps will be in charge of safety during the safety.

According to operations manager, Dave Carpenter, there will be room for vessels to get by, but passing barges might have to assist tugs help them get by the Scandia.

Manson is planning on leaving the barge in place, without a tug, during the evening hours.

Those who feel they might have problems navigating this restricted channel, please call Dave Carpenter at 206-789-2622 ext.202 or his cell phone 206-399-0159. During after hours and on weekends, contact the Lockmaster at 783-7000.

Vessels and boaters who normally make use of the large lock to transit in either direction should ensure they have any additional handling equipment and crew required on board before entering the lock chamber.

The Ballard Locks transits about 60,000 vessels each year.