How long does it take to get through a lock?

Question

The locks I am referring to are the ones used in the St. Lawrence Seaway. How long (in minutes or hours) does it take to get through at least one?

Answer 1

It depends on circumstances.

The ones I have gone through if they ready for you about 1 hour tops. When I came across Florida (Lake Okeechobee) we got to a lock and it was closed for the night. Had to tie up and wait until morning. Not sure it was normal, that just what happened. Some I have gone through be full of barges coming from the other direction and we waited 2 hours for them to clear the lock before we could go in. But, just off hand I say 1 hour.

Answer 2

Each lock is 233.5 metres long (766 feet), 24.4 metres wide (80 feet) and 9.1 metres deep (30 feet) over the sill. A lock fills with approximately 91 million litres of water (24 million gallons) in just 7 to 10 minutes. Getting through a lock takes about 45 minutes