Every year, millions of tons of commodities pass through the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. The facility is located south of the majestic Clark Bridge near Alton, Illinois on the Upper Mississippi River at river mile 200.78, two miles downstream from the original Lock and Dam No. 26. The Melvin Price Locks and Dam help to control the flow of the Mississippi and is the means by which barges are able to navigate the river.
This is the first replacement structure on the Upper Mississippi River nine-foot navigation project. Construction of the Locks and Dam began in 1978 and was completed in 1994. The Dam is 1,160 feet long, with 9 tainter gates, each 110 feet wide by 42 feet high. There are two lock chambers at Melvin Price. The main chamber is 1,200 feet long by 110 feet wide. THe auxiliary chamber is 600 feet long by 110 feet wide.
Informational Facts
Width from shore to shore:
1160 feet - almost 4 football fields
Total length of main lock and guidewalls:
3982 feet - 3/4 of a mile
Foundation pilings:
246 miles total - driven to bedrock
Concrete used:
800,000 cubic yards - enough for 123,000 home driveways
Reinforcing steel:
21 million pounds - enough for 10 Gateway Arches
Total weight:
3.4 billion pounds, base concrete slab that the locks rest on is 20 feet thick
Tainter Gates:
Nine gates that are 110 feet wide by 40 feet high
Miter gates:
62 feet wide by 57.5 feet high and weigh 220 tons each - almost the same as the statue of liberty
Pool length:
40.6 miles
Must be at least 21 years of age. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
For over 60 years, Belk Park Golf Course has been one of the premier Golf Courses in the State of Illinois. In 1953, the City of Wood River received a generous land donation from the Belk family of approx. 234 acres to create an 18-hole championship public golf course and park. Today, this estimated $12 million facility draws more than 50,000 visitors a year through numerous tournaments, open play & special events. It has been recognized as one of the most popular public golf courses in the St. Louis Metro area.
Inside the clubhouse you will find a full array of top end golf equipment and golfing accessories as well as a beautiful banquet facility offering catered and non catered events for both day and evening rental. Visit our website for complete information on all that is available at Belk Park Golf Course
Below is a fly-over of our 234-acre course.
It’s just fun at Airport Plaza Bowl! We offer a variety of fun from birthday parties, fun and competitive leagues, fundraisers, theme nights, and much more! Visit https://www.airportplazabowl.com for more details.
The Pump House Bar and Grill would like to welcome you to our brand new location in Wood River Illinois! We have worked really hard to offer a neighborhood bar with great atmosphere, superior food, cold drinks, and rockin entertainment! Be sure to try one of our signature Hawaiian, or Sunrise burgers. We are always cooking something up in the kitchen! Burgers, Salads, and Wings. Tell your friends, coworkers, and family to stop in and give us a try. We will see you there!
Open 7 Days a week: 7am - 9pm
Dine in or Carry out
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