Locks are used to make a river more easily navigable, or to allow a canal to take a reasonably direct line across country that is not level. All locks have three elements:  (1) A watertight chamber connecting the upper and lower canals, and large enough to enclose one or more boats. The position of the chamber is fixed, but its water level can vary. (2) A gate (often a pair of "pointing" half-gates) at either end of the chamber. A gate is opened to allow a boat to enter or leave the chamber; when closed, the gate is watertight. (3) A set of lock gear to empty or fill the chamber as required. This is usually a simple valve (traditionally, a flat panel lifted by manually winding a rack and pinion mechanism) which allows water to drain into or out of the chamber; larger locks may use pumps.

Traylor Bros. has served as prime contractor for new lock construction contracts including major grassroots projects such as the 1,200’ Lock #53 located on the Ohio River near Mounds City, Illinois; pier/gate construction involving 30 cofferdam cells, tainter gates, bulkheads, bulkhead cranes, and machinery at the McAlpine Dam located in Louisville, Kentucky.  Traylor heavy civil crews also have experience with pile driving, large diameter drilled shaft foundations, sheet pile cofferdams, major bathtub dewatering systems, and erection of tainter gates, bulkheads, cranes, and associated machinery.