Modernizing inland waterway infrastructure, ensuring reliable commercial river navigation, and rehabilitating critical mechanical and hydraulic lock operating systems along the Ohio River system, BCI Construction USA Inc. has been awarded a $13,950,019 firm-fixed-price contract. The civil works operations and maintenance action finances lock and dam hydraulics upgrades in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
Contract Details: At A Glance
| Contractor: | BCI Construction USA Inc. |
| Award Date: | September 23, 2026 |
| Contract Value: | $13,950,019 |
| Project: | Lock & Dam Hydraulics Upgrades |
| Location: | Coraopolis, Pennsylvania |
| Contract Number: | W911WN-26-C-A010 |
| Awarding District: | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District |
District Context & Mission Impact
This inland navigation rehabilitation project is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District. The Pittsburgh District manages 23 locks and dams across 328 miles of navigable waterways throughout the Upper Ohio River Basin. Facilities like the Dashields Lock and Dam near Coraopolis provide the pool depths necessary for commercial towboats to transport coal, steel, aggregates, and agricultural commodities through the Port of Pittsburgh. Operating aging lock chamber miter gates and spillway dam gates depends on heavy-duty hydraulic power units and fluid cylinders. Upgrading hydraulic piping, modernizing high-pressure fluid power systems, and installing automated electronic controls reduces unscheduled lock closures, prevents costly river traffic delays, and maintains commercial supply chains through late 2028.
Contractor Spotlight & Industry Context
Headquartered in Pace, Florida, BCI Construction USA Inc. is a specialized small business general contractor experienced in heavy civil construction, marine structures, mechanical machinery installation, and lock and dam rehabilitation for federal agencies. Bids were solicited via the internet with three competitive proposals received. Executing lock hydraulic upgrades on active navigation facilities requires specialized mechanical engineering, high-pressure fluid power piping, cofferdam or dive team support, precision alignment of heavy hydraulic cylinders, and strict coordination with lockmasters to minimize disruptions to commercial vessel lockages. Partnering skilled marine infrastructure contractors with USACE inland navigation engineers ensures vital river transportation assets remain reliable.
