(Photo by Art Smith) Muskingum River Lock 3 at Lowell sits Friday morning nearly dry as work continues on the rehabilitation of the lock. The work on the lock will include replacement of the upper gates, repair to the valves that control the water entering the lock and repairs to the walls. The canal leading to the lock is being blocked by a temporary dam while the work is being done.

LOWELL — Work at the Lowell Lock is moving forward as crews uncover long-hidden components of the historic Muskingum River navigation system, according to recent updates from Muskingum River Parkway.

In a Nov. 19 post, the parkway reported that a coffer dam has been installed at the lock and the upper doors have been removed, allowing crews to evaluate the full scope of needed repairs. The bell valve — a mechanism that regulates water flow in and out of the lock — is visible for the first time in decades.

Officials also noted that masons’ hatch marks carved into the stone nearly 189 years ago remain intact, offering a rare look at the craftsmanship behind the Muskingum River Lock System, which dates to the 1830s.

The lock is currently closed during the construction period.

The rehabilitation work was first announced in an Aug. 16 update on the Muskingum River Parkway State Park Facebook page. The lock officially closed Sept. 15 for repairs that include valve work, wall restoration and replacement of the upper gates.

(Photo by Art Smith) Muskingum River Lock 3 at Lowell sits Friday morning nearly dry as work continues on the rehabilitation of the lock. The work on the lock will include replacement of the upper gates, repair to the valves that control the water entering the lock and repairs to the walls. The canal leading to the lock is being blocked by a temporary dam while the work is being done.

Lowell Mayor Dave Hanes said the drawdown at the site has revealed historic elements he had previously only read about.

“It let me see some things that I had read about in history … that I had never seen since the upper end is drained where they’re working on the doors,” he said.

Hanes said the construction is not affecting daily life in the village.

“It’s not going to affect anything in the village at all,” he said. “They are restoring it. The doors … have needed work for a long time, and they’re just restoring it to good operational condition.”

The navigation system, first built in 1836, has served river communities for nearly two centuries. Parkway officials said the repairs are intended to help preserve the lock for continued public use.

“With a little maintenance, they’ll continue to be a place for all of us to enjoy and take pride in for years to come,” the announcement said.