Plans Advancing for Canal Extension
Nothing very controversial here from what I can see. The extension of the canal segment from the Oklahoma River would allow it to go under the new I-40 bridge and stop just south of the Bricktown Canal. It appears that the project also adds a pedestrian bridge over the river segment, and creates a series of water features, plazas and landscaping at the northern tip of the river segment to provide a better linkage and view for visitors. This items is up at Board of Adjustment Thursday for a variance on lighting heights.
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Sadly the difference in elevations between the canal and the river will prevnet them from every being directly connected as some buffoons were claiming in the years prior to the arrival on the scene of engnieers and not just blowhard politicians. I hope this gets done.
Never say never, Mike. The Panama Canal did it. However they use natural water pressure to fill their locks and gates system. If there was a way to replenish the water flowing out of the canal to fill the locks that are used to lift/lower the boats, it would be doable. However it would still be expensive on a boat by boat basis because of the cost of water, whether it be storm drain runoff, pumped up from the Oklahoma River, or tap. Maybe the passengers could get on designated boats destined for the river and those tickets would be a little more to cover those water costs.
So has access under the Union Pacific Right of Way been resolved? Also, will cyclists be able to use this critical (Downtown) Bricktown – River connection?
Yeah Dave I have visited the canal and transited it. Knocked off one item on my bucket list. Due to cost I predict it will NEVER happen here. Also the time factor involved in unacceptably long in a transit.
At the Panama Canal the water that powers the locks is gravity feed from Gatun Lake, no pumping. Here I would like to see it but as a realist and the way the past 30+ years of project/financial flubs by the powers that be I have NO FAITH that good will occur here except by accident.
Steve: could you clarify something? hard to tell by the posted pic but are the boats that will be using this canal extension, Devon style River boats or the Canal style water taxis?
If the depiction is accurate it clearly shows the much larger river boats using that extension and the upper portion is called the River Boat Turning Basin.
the Devon boats will now be able to go under the new I40 all the way up next to the canal …
and Jim this was in the 2007 bond issue ..
Does anyone know if this is remaining within the $3 million budget authorized in the 2007 G.O. bond?
Falkirk wheel: runs on about 100W as it balances the water down with the lift up. Inclined plane: same idea.
[...] river. Construction begins on latest additions to Oklahoma City's Boathouse District | NewsOK.com Plans Advancing for Canal Extension | OKC Central http://www.okstatechamber.com/opp/pd…anal9_1_11.pdf There may, indeed, be some work there that [...]
Assuming all goes well Thursday, what kind of timeline would it be appropriate for me to anticipate?