Tulloch Engineering was recently retained by Parks Canada to complete design and tender preparation for improvements to the Emergency Swing Dam located upstream of the Sault Ste.Marie Canal recreational lock. The Emergency Swing Dam is a designated level-1 cultural resource of Canada,112m in length, 6.85m in width and was constructed in 1895. The Swing Dam is a bridgelike dam that is supported at the centre by metal turntable and steel rollers and is literally turned from the open to closed position. Once in the closed position over the canal, the “wickets” are lowered into the water to reduce the flow in the Canal. The Dam was used only once in its life, in 1909 and is no longer structurally capable of stopping the flow, however is being improved as it is a cultural resource.

Our scope of work includes deck replacement, railing installation, wicket stop block replacement, steel coating and bearing installations to support the “free ends” of the dam when in the open or closed position.