[Skip to Content]
ALERT! In observance of the holiday: County of Berks offices and buildings will close to the public from 12 PM, December 24, 2024, through December 25, 2024 (reopening 8 AM, December 26, 2024) and 12 PM, December 31, 2024, through January 1, 2025 (reopening 8 AM, January 2, 2025).

Please note – 24/7 operations at the county courthouse and services center will remain operational.

How A Lock Works

How A Lock Works

Boat Going Downstream

Virtual Lock - Downstream

Virtual Lock - Downstream

Boat Going Upstream

Virtual Lock - Upstream

Virtual Lock-Upstream

Unanimated Version

Boat Going Downstream

Boat enters the lock; gate closes behind it

Boat enters the lock; gate closes behind it.

Water is released downstream; water level lowers in the lock.

Water is released downstream; water level lowers in the lock.

When the water level is low enough, the gate opens and the boat leaves the lock.

When the water level is low enough, the gate opens and the boat leaves the lock.

Boat Going Upstream

Boat enters the lock; gate closes behind it.

Boat enters the lock; gate closes behind it.

Water enters from upstream; water level rises in the lock.

Water enters from upstream; water level rises in the lock.

When the water level is high enough, the gate opens and the boat leaves the lock.

When the water level is high enough, the gate opens and the boat leaves the lock.