The Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Crooked River (Alanson) Lock will close for 24 hours, beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug.11, for further alignment repairs. The lock will re-open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The lock recently closed July 17-25 to undergo emergency repairs to one of the large drive gears that power the gate lifting mechanism. The drive gear shattered and fractured the gearbox housing. Repairs were complicated by the fact that the gear box is no longer manufactured.

Carlson-Dimond & Wright of Chesterfield, worked diligently with Petoskey State Park staff, Cheboygan Field Office staff, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Carlson-Dimond & Wright located a replacement gearbox, made all the repairs to the shaft and gearing, and expedited final assembly through the weekend for DNR pickup. The lock was back in operation on July 25, and state park officials were grateful for their dedication to the success of this project for all citizens and boaters.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers later determined that to operate properly the lower areas of the 575-pound gear boxes must be fixed in place to maintain critical alignment and prevent further breakage. To avoid further breakdowns, the gear boxes will be glued into place, and the epoxy glue needs 24 hours to cure. All gate movement must cease for this 24-hour curing period.