MASSENA -- Worker safety statistics for this past winter’s infrastructure modernization work at the U.S. locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway show no work hours lost due to safety-related incidents from January through March and comprising nearly 130,000 documented work hours.

“Three major construction projects were completed at the U.S. Seaway locks this past winter, with no time lost to safety incidents, a testament to the Seaway’s effective safety protocols,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The 2013 winter work included some of the most crucial, difficult, and labor intensive activity since the Asset Renewal Program (ARP) began in 2009, and the seven contractor firms worked around-the-clock with SLSDC staff in order to complete the work, according to U.S. DOT.

Major projects completed at the U.S. locks in Massena included the installation of a new ice flushing system at Snell Lock, rehabilitation of the downstream Eisenhower Lock miter gate, and hydraulic upgrades of culvert valve machinery at both locks. All of the projects, including numerous other winter maintenance projects completed by SLSDC crews, were accomplished on time.

“This past winter represented the busiest time at the U.S. Seaway locks since their construction in the 1950s,” said SLSDC Acting Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook.