Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Cal-Sag Channel

The Cal-Sag Channel, formally known as the Calumet-Saganashkee Channel, is a 16-mile-long (26 km) man-made drainage and navigation located in southern , . Constructed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) between 1911 and 1922, it connects the Little Calumet River—part of the system—to the , enabling barge traffic and shipping routes from to the basin while serving as a primary conduit for stormwater and wastewater management. The channel's construction addressed critical and environmental challenges in early 20th-century , where untreated sewage from the growing metropolis threatened , the city's drinking water source. After 11 years of excavation through diverse terrain including rock and earth sections, the channel's gates at the Blue Island Lock were opened on August 18, 1922, fully reversing the flow of the Little Calumet River westward toward the Illinois River and systems by August 26. This engineering feat, part of the broader Area Waterway System (CAWS), not only diverted polluted waters away from the lake but also enhanced and for the surrounding urban and suburban areas. Today, the Cal-Sag Channel plays a vital role in regional water management, draining a 151-square-mile that encompasses 27 communities, including Alsip, Blue Island, , Lemont, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Palos Heights, and Worth. It supports the treatment of wastewater for approximately 970,000 residents through nearby facilities like the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant and includes Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) stations that monitor and improve as part of broader CAWS efforts to prevent contaminants from reaching . Additionally, the channel facilitates commercial navigation for industrial goods and aggregates, while adjacent trails promote recreation, contributing to economic and ecological sustainability in the .

Overview

Description and Purpose

The Cal-Sag Channel is a 16-mile (26 km) artificial canal located in southern , that connects the Little Calumet River to the . Operated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), it forms a key segment of the Chicago Area Waterway System, facilitating controlled water movement across the region. The channel serves multiple core purposes, including inland shipping for commercial barge traffic, recreational boating, stormwater drainage, and the conveyance of treated wastewater effluent from MWRD's water reclamation plants, which process overflows captured by the Deep Tunnel Project (also known as the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan or TARP). These functions support regional and pollution prevention by directing flows westward. With an average depth of 20 feet (6.1 m) and a width of approximately 225 feet (69 m) in the main channel, the Cal-Sag Channel is engineered for reliable and hydraulic . It plays a vital role in reversing the natural eastward flow of the Little Calumet River, redirecting it toward the basin to prevent untreated sewage and stormwater from entering .

Significance in the Chicago Waterway System

The Cal-Sag Channel serves as a vital link in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), integrating the Little Calumet River at its eastern end with the (CSSC) to its west, thereby forming a key component of the broader 9-foot-deep that connects the to the basin. This integration enhances regional navigation by providing a direct route for traffic, bypassing shallower or more circuitous paths and supporting the overall of the 76-mile CAWS network designed for drainage, shipping, and pollution control. Historically, the channel played a crucial role in by enabling of the Calumet River's flow upon its completion in 1922, diverting Chicago's southward away from and into the for treatment. This engineering feat, coordinated with the opening of the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, prevented untreated wastewater from polluting the lake, which served as the city's primary source, and marked a significant advancement in urban sanitation infrastructure. Economically, the Cal-Sag Channel facilitates substantial cargo transport, handling an average of 4.8 million tons annually between 2015 and 2017, which bolsters industries in the including production, chemical , and aggregates extraction. These shipments, primarily via , reduce reliance on and truck transport, lowering costs and emissions for heavy bulk goods essential to regional and construction sectors. Additionally, the channel contributes to and stormwater management as part of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD) (), which captures overflows from systems and directs them through drop shafts along the waterway for storage and treatment. By integrating with TARP's extensive underground network, the Cal-Sag helps mitigate during heavy rains, contributing to protection for the over 5.1 million residents served by the MWRD.

Geography and Route

Location and Path

The Cal-Sag Channel begins at its eastern terminus at the junction with the Little Calumet River in Calumet Park, Illinois. This starting point marks the entry into the channel from the broader Calumet waterway system, facilitating both drainage and navigation flows. From Calumet Park, the channel flows generally southwest through southern Cook County, passing through the townships of Calumet, Worth, Palos, and Lemont. Along its route, it borders several suburbs, including Alsip and Worth on the north side, as well as Palos Hills, and Robbins, Crestwood, Palos Heights on the south side. The channel's trajectory reflects the topography of the region and its integration into the local drainage network. The channel concludes at its western endpoint, connecting to the near Sag Junction in . Spanning a total length of approximately 16 miles (26 km), the final 4.5 miles (7.2 km) traverse the Palos Forest Preserves, a expansive protected area managed by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, where the channel winds through natural landscapes before reaching the junction.

Physical Characteristics

The Cal-Sag Channel is engineered as a and with a width ranging from 225 to 290 feet (69 to 88 m) and a navigation depth of 9 feet (2.7 m) maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accommodate commercial traffic while allowing for accumulation. Specialized 160-foot (49 m) sidings are incorporated along the route to enable safe passing of vessels. These dimensions reflect post-construction modifications, including widenings completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the mid-20th century to enhance capacity. The channel integrates with the local terrain by traversing the historic Sag Valley, a former swampy lowland and farmland area that served as the ancient outlet of Glacial Lake . Constructed as an artificial cut, it features sheer walls rising 10 to 15 feet high in western sections, transitioning to sloped banks near its eastern end, with a substrate of overlying solid rock. Forested stretches occur within adjacent preserves, blending the engineered waterway with remnant natural landscapes. Water flow through the Cal-Sag Channel is artificially controlled in a westerly direction, reversing the natural easterly drainage of the system to direct wastewater away from . Surrounding varies along the 16-mile route, featuring industrial zones concentrated near Blue Island for manufacturing and logistics, interspersed with preserved natural areas such as the expansive Sag Valley Forest Preserve and adjacent wetlands totaling nearly 1,000 acres. This mix underscores the channel's role in balancing urban development with ecological conservation.

History

Planning and Construction (1911–1922)

The planning for the Cal-Sag Channel originated with the (SDC, now the Reclamation District or MWRD) in 1911, driven by the need to mitigate sewage overflows from the (CSSC) and to reverse the natural eastward flow of the Little Calumet River toward , thereby enhancing regional sanitation efforts as part of broader waterway reversals to protect drinking water sources. Illinois state in authorized the SDC to undertake the project, leading to ceremonies in and steady progress despite external pressures. Construction spanned 11 years, culminating in the channel's completion and operational opening on August 18, 1922, marking a significant achievement in urban . The work involved excavating through the Sag Valley, a low-lying area, to create a 16-mile with initial dimensions of 60 feet (18 m) in width and 20 feet (6.1 m) in depth, forming a navigable and conduit linking the Little Calumet River to the CSSC. Among the major challenges were labor disputes that disrupted work crews, material and manpower shortages caused by U.S. entry into in 1917, and difficulties in draining persistent s that complicated excavation and stabilization efforts in the Sag Valley. These obstacles extended the timeline but did not halt the project's advancement toward fulfilling its sanitary and navigational objectives.

Expansions and Modernizations

Following the initial completion of the Cal-Sag Channel in 1922, significant enhancements were undertaken in the mid-20th century to accommodate growing commercial demands and improve hydraulic capacity. Between 1955 and 1958, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) widened the main channel from its original 60 feet to 225 feet (69 m), establishing a 9-foot (2.7 m) depth in portions, at a cost of $12.5 million; this expansion facilitated larger traffic and enhanced overall waterway efficiency. As part of these improvements, lock infrastructure was modernized to support the enlarged channel. The Blue Island Lock, originally built with a 50-foot by 360-foot chamber, was decommissioned and partially removed in 1965 following the completion of the upstream T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam, which became operational that year after construction from 1957 to 1960; the new lock features a 110-foot by 1,000-foot chamber with a maximum lift of 5 feet, enabling better flow control between and the channel. In preparation for the , temporary facilities including housing, storage, and launching areas were developed along the channel to host events, as no prior infrastructure existed for such competitions; the venue provided excellent water conditions for races in events like single sculls and eight-oared shells. In the 1970s, the channel was integrated into the broader (TARP), a major initiative by the Water Reclamation District of Greater , which utilized the as a key conduit for diversion and combined sewer overflow management to mitigate flooding in the Calumet and Des Plaines watersheds. In 2022, the USACE received $50 million in funding for the rehabilitation of the T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam, with design phases completed by 2024 and construction ongoing as of 2025 to ensure continued navigational safety and operational reliability. Ongoing maintenance by USACE includes regular to sustain the authorized dimensions, ensuring navigational safety and capacity for commercial shipping; these operations address sediment accumulation from industrial and in the Area .

Engineering Features

Locks and Dams

The Cal-Sag Channel features two primary locks designed to manage water levels and facilitate navigation within the broader waterway system, with the T.J. O'Brien Lock serving as the main operational structure and the Blue Island Lock representing an earlier, now-defunct facility. These locks enable vessel transit by compensating for minor elevation differences, typically providing lifts or lowers of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m). The T.J. O'Brien Lock, located at the eastern end of the channel near the confluence with the Little Calumet River on the Calumet River (River Mile 326.0), is the primary navigation lock for the Cal-Sag system. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) between 1958 and 1960 as part of the 9-foot channel navigation project, it measures 1,000 feet (300 m) in length and 110 feet (34 m) in width, with a depth of 15 feet (4.6 m) over the sills to accommodate standard barge tows. This lock, operated by the USACE Chicago District, handles approximately 2,000 vessel passages annually (as of 2017), supporting commercial barge traffic and recreational boating between Lake Michigan, the Calumet River, and the channel's upstream reaches. The original Blue Island Lock, situated at the western end of the Cal-Sag Channel near its junction with the , was built in 1922 as part of the channel's initial construction. This earlier structure measured 360 feet (110 m) in length and 50 feet (15 m) in width, allowing limited barge transit but struggling with operational constraints. It was decommissioned in 1965 primarily due to severe in the approach channel, which impeded navigation reliability, after which control shifted to the larger T.J. O'Brien facility. Beyond the locks, the Cal-Sag Channel incorporates minor dams and weirs for flow regulation, particularly at Sag Junction where the channel meets the , but lacks major impoundment structures. Water level control primarily relies on the upstream mechanisms of the system, with these auxiliary features providing localized adjustments to maintain the channel's 9-foot depth for safe passage. Widening projects in the mid-20th century facilitated the upgrade to the T.J. O'Brien Lock by improving approach channels and capacity for larger tows.

Bridges and Navigation Aids

The Cal-Sag Channel is spanned by multiple fixed bridges, including both highway and railroad structures designed to accommodate navigation while providing essential crossings for road and rail traffic in southern Cook County. Notable examples include the 127th Street Bridge () in Alsip and Crestwood, a multi-span structure carrying vehicular traffic; the Cicero Avenue Bridge () in Crestwood, a riveted metal built in 1938 with a 270-foot main span; the Harlem Avenue Bridge in Bridgeview, featuring a 1960s-era riveted design; and the Ridgeland Avenue Bridge in Worth, another 1960s span noted for its built-up beams. These bridges, along with others such as the Archer Avenue (Kingery Highway) Bridge and various railroad spans like the Canadian National Railroad Bridge, total over a dozen structures, primarily consisting of fixed and designs that reflect mid-20th-century engineering practices for the waterway. Bridge design standards for the Cal-Sag Channel emphasize navigational compatibility, with vertical clearances typically ranging from 19 to 40 feet (5.8 to 12.2 meters) at normal pool levels to allow passage of barges and recreational vessels. Horizontal clearances under these spans vary between 150 and 225 feet (46 to 69 meters), aligning with the channel's width to ensure safe transit without excessive constriction. Maintenance responsibilities are shared among agencies, with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) overseeing structural repairs and rehabilitations for highway bridges, as seen in the ongoing deck replacement project for the 127th Street Bridge, which began in August 2024. The bridge was fully closed starting April 2025 and is anticipated to reopen in spring 2026, at a cost of $14.4 million (as of September 2025). The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) collaborates on channel-adjacent infrastructure to support drainage functions, while broader preservation efforts include periodic inspections and upgrades to ensure seismic resilience, in line with IDOT's statewide bridge standards. Navigation aids on the Cal-Sag Channel are primarily maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), which deploys buoys, lights, daybeacons, and channel markers to delineate the navigable path and enhance safety. These aids follow the Lateral System for the Western Rivers, with red lights and buoys marking the right descending bank and green aids the left, supplemented by unlighted buoys during winter months when the channel may ice over. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) supports through channel maintenance and provides detailed charts showing aid locations, bridge positions, and mile markers for the 16-mile . In conditions of low visibility, such as fog or heavy rain common in the industrial corridor, mariners rely on electronic aids including GPS and electronic navigational charts (ENCs) produced by USACE, which integrate real-time data on aids and hazards to facilitate precise positioning.

Operations and Usage

Navigation and Shipping

The Cal-Sag Channel functions as a key federal navigation waterway under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), enabling barge traffic to connect the with the via the (CSSC). The channel sees hundreds of commercial tows annually at the connected O'Brien Lock, along with recreational boats. Primary comprises aggregates, products, and chemicals transported in . From 2015 to 2017, the channel handled an average of 4.8 million tons of annually, underscoring its role in regional freight movement. Commercial operations feature barge tows with individual capacities up to 1,500 tons, subject to a 5 (8 km/h) speed limit to minimize wakes and ensure safe passage through the channel's constrained geometry. The waterway supports 24-hour operations year-round, coordinated through USACE-managed lock scheduling at facilities like the Thomas J. O'Brien Lock, though seasonal restrictions may apply during low-water periods to avoid shoaling risks. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) enforces supplementary local regulations, including no-wake zones and coordination with bridge lift schedules for efficient transit. Recreational , including pleasure craft and small vessels, contributes to the overall but remains secondary to use, with access facilitated by marinas along the and adherence to the same speed and operational rules. Economically, the channel bolsters the Calumet by delivering essential materials to and sectors, reducing reliance on and integrating with national supply chains for enhanced efficiency. As of 2017, this activity generated approximately $460 million in annual industry revenues and sustained about 1,800 jobs in the region.

Drainage and Wastewater Management

The Cal-Sag Channel plays a critical role in the drainage and management system of southwestern Cook County, serving as the primary conduit for treated from the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), which handles from approximately 27 communities in the . The Calumet WRP, operational since 1922, treats an average of 354 million gallons per day (MGD) with a maximum capacity of 430 MGD, discharging the processed water into the channel to prevent untreated releases into local waterways. This base flow contributes to the channel's steady conveyance, estimated at around 700 cubic feet per second (cfs) under normal conditions, while the channel also accommodates additional runoff during precipitation events to mitigate flooding in the 151-square-mile . Integration with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater 's (MWRD) () enhances the channel's wastewater management by capturing excess combined sewer overflows before they enter the . 's 109 miles of underground s and associated reservoirs store stormwater and sewage during heavy rains, reducing overflows into the Cal-Sag Channel and broader (CAWS) by 85%. Specifically, the Calumet intercepts overflows and directs them to the Thornton Composite Reservoir for later treatment, limiting direct discharges to the channel during storms and improving overall . MWRD employs ongoing and practices to maintain suitable conditions in the channel for conveyance. Water quality parameters such as , dissolved oxygen (DO), and are measured onsite at multiple stations along the Cal-Sag Channel, with continuous DO conducted hourly to assess oxygenation levels. To address low DO during low-flow periods, Sidestream Elevated Pool (SEPA) stations pump and aerate water from the channel, injecting oxygen at rates up to 576 cfs at key locations like Route 83, ensuring the remains environmentally stable as it flows toward the Little Calumet River. Historically, the channel's completion in marked a pivotal shift in management, transitioning from the direct discharge of raw in the early to treated following the opening of the Calumet WRP—the MWRD's first facility. Prior to this, untreated overwhelmed local rivers, but the channel's construction enabled controlled reversal of the flow and integration of primary processes, laying the foundation for modern reclamation efforts.

Environmental and Recreational Aspects

Environmental Impact and Ecology

The construction of the Cal-Sag Channel in 1922 reversed the flow of the to divert sewage and industrial pollution away from . From the to the , heavy industrialization in the surrounding area led to widespread contamination of sediments with such as , , lead, and mercury, creating persistent sources of toxicity that impaired aquatic habitats and in food chains. Additionally, channelization and flow reversal contributed to significant wetland loss in the Sag Valley, where extensive marshes were drained and reshaped, disrupting natural ecosystems essential for water filtration and . Contemporary ecological assessments reveal signs of recovery in the Cal-Sag Channel, with studies indicating more diverse bacterial communities compared to heavily polluted waterways, suggesting reduced and a healthier microbial supportive of broader . The channel now sustains a variety of species, including , , and others, with nearly 60 taxa documented across the connected Chicago Area Waterway System—a marked increase from fewer than 10 species in the early —though sediment disruption continues to limit quality for sensitive species. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) watershed plan identifies excessive and as key stressors, targeting reductions to restore designated uses such as life support and by addressing nutrient-driven algal blooms that deplete dissolved oxygen. Restoration initiatives focus on mitigating and threats. The MWRD's watershed-based plan, updated through 2022 projects, promotes best management practices like to achieve a 5% reduction and 17% load decrease across 25% of the urbanized over 25 years, aiming to enhance overall ecological integrity at an estimated cost of $227 million. Complementing these efforts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' and Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) evaluates nonstructural barriers, such as electric fields and monitoring at key locks, to prevent upstream migration of invasive , which pose risks of ecosystem disruption in the Cal-Sag Channel and connected basins. Ongoing monitoring underscores progress toward regulatory compliance. Annual water quality reports from the MWRD and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency demonstrate high adherence to EPA standards for parameters like , , and dissolved oxygen in the post-Tunnel and Reservoir Plan () era, which has captured overflows and reduced pollutant discharges since the 1980s. surveys in adjacent Palos Preserves, including reconnection projects for tributaries like Mill Creek—completed in 2019 to improve fish passage—track improvements in habitat for species such as otters, egrets, and bass, confirming localized ecological gains from barrier removals and enhancements.

Recreation and Future Developments

The Cal-Sag Channel offers opportunities for paddling and , with guides such as the Calumet Rivers Paddling/Fishing Page providing routes along the channel and connected waterways like the Little Calumet River, where paddlers can navigate shallow sections suitable for canoes and kayaks while staying near the edges to avoid barge wakes. is popular for like , though consumption advisories apply due to historical from upstream sources. The channel also has a legacy in competitive , having served as the venue for events at the , where U.S. athletes won gold in single sculls, double sculls, and four-oars without amid newly constructed facilities on the calm waters. is another draw, particularly in nearby forest preserves like Sag Quarries, where trails along the channel support observation of waterfowl and raptors. Public access for boating is available at launches such as the Calumet Boat Launch South in Chicago Park District facilities at 9801 S. Avenue G, providing entry to the Calumet River system and Cal-Sag Channel for non-motorized and small motorized vessels. In the west, the Little Calumet Boat Launch in Forest Preserves of Cook County near Lemont offers trailered access to the Little Calumet River, which connects directly to the Cal-Sag Channel, accommodating canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats, and trolling-motor boats year-round from sunrise to sunset. Swimming is not recommended due to ongoing water quality concerns, including low oxygen levels and pollutants, with experts advising against it despite improvements in microbial conditions. Recreational events include tournaments organized by groups like the Cal Sag & Big Lake Bass Anglers, which host multiple competitive circuits annually on the channel and adjacent waters. These activities align with broader initiatives like Chicago's Our Great Rivers, a collaborative vision to enhance public access and recreation along the Calumet system by 2040 through improved infrastructure and community programming. Future developments focus on expanding connectivity and usability, with the 26-mile Cal-Sag Trail—a multi-use greenway for , biking, and walking—currently featuring 13 miles open since 2015 and progressive extensions, such as a 1.5-mile segment in Palos Hills added in 2025, aiming to link Sag Quarries in Lemont to the Burnham Greenway near the border. efforts, supported by grants like those from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, target improved habitat connectivity in the Lake Calumet area, including enhancements to restored tributaries such as Mill Creek to further facilitate fish passage and enhance overall waterway health.

References

  1. [1]
    Cal-Sag Channel, Calumet Water Reclamation Plant turn 100 | MWRD
    Sep 27, 2022 · The Cal-Sag Channel and Calumet WRP were completed in 1922 to protect health and water quality. The WRP treats water, and the channel reversed ...
  2. [2]
    Cal-Sag Channel Watershed | MWRD
    The Calumet-Saganashkee (Cal-Sag) Channel Watershed is located in southwestern Cook County and drains an area of 151 square miles that includes 27 communities.
  3. [3]
    [PDF] HABITAT EVALUATION REPORT
    Jan 4, 2010 · Figure 1-13: The Cal-Sag Channel under Construction, 1914 ... its depth ranges from 15 to 20 feet. Figure 1-8: The South Branch ...
  4. [4]
    Mill Creek: Southwest Suburban Project Fixes 100-Year-Old Mistake
    May 6, 2019 · The Cal-Sag channel, the shortened name for "Calumet-Saganashkee Channel," is maintained at a depth of 20 feet. A video of Koepke explaining ...
  5. [5]
    Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) | MWRD
    The CAWS is 76.1 miles of canals and rivers, built for drainage, navigation, and to protect Lake Michigan from pollution. It is also used for recreation.
  6. [6]
    Chicago Area Waterway System / Chicago River | EPA in Illinois
    Jan 12, 2021 · The CAWS includes the Chicago River, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Cal-Sag Channel and the Calumet Rivers. The CAWS once served ...
  7. [7]
    Reversal of Calumet River a key part of Chicago area water strategy
    Jul 14, 2023 · ... Cal-Sag Channel opened in 1922. “The idea was to collect and pump all the sewage that was going into the Calumet River, treat it and then ...Missing: importance | Show results with:importance
  8. [8]
    [PDF] Baseline Assessment of Cargo Traffic on the Chicago Area ...
    The CAWS study area also encompasses the Calumet-Saganashkee (Cal-Sag) channel ... industrial chemical and fertilizer producers as well as the iron and steel ...
  9. [9]
    [PDF] Master Plan for the Illinois International Port District
    improvements to the Cal-Sag channel. The IIPD opened in 1958 and has evolved ... Goods moving by waterway include steel, lumber, and aggregates, as well as grain,.
  10. [10]
    Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) | MWRD
    TARP is designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.Missing: conveyance | Show results with:conveyance
  11. [11]
    [PDF] RainReady Calumet Corridor, IL
    This makes for easy canoeing and kayaking, but presents challenges for flood control and stormwater management. ... TARP drop shafts along the. Cal-Sag Channel ...
  12. [12]
    Page not found – Forest Preserves of Cook County
    - **Page Existence**: Yes, the page exists at https://fpdcc.com/places/cal-sag-channel/.
  13. [13]
    [PDF] LOCKPORT LOCK & DAM
    May 9, 2024 · The Cal-Sag Channel, which was completed in 1922, connects the Calumet watershed to the CSSC. This man-made waterway also converts a sizeable ...
  14. [14]
    [PDF] Nature and the River - Northern Research Station
    length of the Cal-Sag Channel. Canopy cover is absent at the. Lemont sampling station, and is only 5 percent in Worth, near Illinois Route 7. Between these ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] ACTIVITIES OF THE METROPOLITAN WATER ... - P2 InfoHouse
    Construction of the Cal-Sag Channel was completed in 1922. Altogether the ... the amount of diversion to an annual average of 1500 cubic feet per second in.
  16. [16]
    [PDF] Calumet Sag Canal
    This canal was 20 feet deep, 60 feet wide through rock, and 36 feet wide at the bottom and 116 feet at the water line in earth sections. In 1928, the Illinois ...Missing: depth | Show results with:depth
  17. [17]
    Flood Control and Drainage - Encyclopedia of Chicago
    Construction of the Cal-Sag Channel began in 1911 and was completed in 1922, reversing the flow of the Calumet River away from Lake Michigan. A Supreme Court ...
  18. [18]
    MWRD: Building the 1911-22 Cal-Sag Channel - Industrial History
    May 25, 2019 · Construction of the Cal Sag Channel on April 20, 1917. The 16-mile long channel was built by the MWRD between 1911 and 1922 and connects to the ...
  19. [19]
    History of Flood Control & Drainage in Northeastern Illinois
    Construction of the Cal-Sag Channel began in 1911 and was completed in 1922 ... "The Sanitary District of Chicago: A Case Study of Water Use and ...
  20. [20]
    [PDF] ILLINOIS WATERWAY, THOMAS J. O'BRIEN LOCK AND HAERIL ...
    800.921, Cal Sag-Channel, Cal R, L Cal R, Lake Cal, File #2, in U.S. Army ... O'Brien Lock and Control Works, which replaced the. Blue Island Lock and Control ...
  21. [21]
    AN INVENTORY OF HISTORIC ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL ...
    This document is an inventory of historic engineering and industrial structures within the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor.
  22. [22]
    None
    Summary of each segment:
  23. [23]
    [PDF] host to the pAN AMERICAN GAMES - Panam Sports
    This neces sitated holding the rowing events on the Cal Sag Canal. Here the ... Official Party at Opening Day Ceremonies. Page 13. THIRD PAN AMERICAN GAMES...1959.Missing: Channel | Show results with:Channel
  24. [24]
    Illinois Waterway Maintenance Dredging Operations & Maintenance
    Aug 30, 2024 · The CS&SC was completed in 1900 as a 22-foot depth project, and the Cal Sag Channel was completed in 1922 and modified, including widening, in ...
  25. [25]
    [PDF] Thomas J. O'Brien Lock and Controlling Works, Illinois Waterway ...
    Feb 12, 2009 · The controlling segment, a reinforced concrete structure with four slide gate sections, is 53 feet in length. ... E-mail: andrew.g.barnes@usace.Missing: dimensions | Show results with:dimensions
  26. [26]
    [PDF] Review Plan
    Sep 20, 2022 · T.J. O'Brien Lock is a low lift sector gate lock. It provides a maximum lift of 5.0 feet for traffic passing from Lake Michigan to the ...<|separator|>
  27. [27]
    [PDF] Hydrology of and Current Monitoring Issues for the Chicago Area ...
    Mar 1, 2016 · These measurements document the conveyance of the channel, and lock and dam structure, during one of the relatively rare backflow events. The ...
  28. [28]
    Cicero Avenue Cal-Sag Bridge - HistoricBridges.org
    The Cicero Avenue Cal-Sag Bridge is a metal truss built in 1938, with a 270-foot main span, 378-foot total length, and is one of the oldest on the Calumet Sag ...
  29. [29]
    Harlem Avenue Calumet Sag Channel Bridge - HistoricBridges.org
    This bridge is one of several truss bridges on the Calumet Sag Channel that date to the 1960s. They are noted for having built-up beams held together by rivets.
  30. [30]
    Ridgeland Avenue Bridge - HistoricBridges.org
    This bridge is one of several truss bridges on the Calumet Sag Channel that date to the 1960s. They are noted for having built-up beams held together by rivets.
  31. [31]
    Archer Avenue Bridge (Kingery Highway Bridge) - HistoricBridges.org
    Archer Avenue (Kingery Highway, IL-83) Over Calumet Sag Channel. Location Sag ... The bridge has 37.7 feet of navigational vertical clearance listed.
  32. [32]
    Calumet Sag Channel Canadian National Railroad Bridge
    This railroad bridge is typical of the railroad bridges seen on the Calumet Sag Channel, which are very late examples of riveted metal truss bridge technology.
  33. [33]
    [PDF] VERTICAL CLEARANCES TABLE - BRIDGES ILLINOIS WATERWAY
    Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad Bridge. Fixed. 225.0. 24.6. 602.1. 577.5. Low Operating Level / Flat Pool. NGVD 1929. 102. 3. 304.2. Calumet Sag Channel. Sag ...
  34. [34]
    I- 57 SB over CAL SAG CHANNEL Cook County, Illinois Bridge ...
    Navigation control on waterway (bridge permit required). Navigation Vertical Clearance: 12.80 meters. Navigation Horizontal Clearance: 68.60 meters. Structure ...
  35. [35]
    I-294 SB over CAL SAG CANAL Cook County, Illinois Bridge ...
    Navigation control on waterway (bridge permit required). Navigation Vertical Clearance: 12.20 meters. Navigation Horizontal Clearance: 68.60 meters. Structure ...
  36. [36]
    Bridges and Structures - Illinois Department of Transportation
    Reference materials include Bridge Manuals, Bridge Designer Memos, Seismic Manual, Sign Structures Manual, and Guide Bridge Special Provisions (GBSP).Specific Scope of Services · Bridge Load Ratings · Stay ConnectedMissing: MWRD Cal- Sag Channel 2024 retrofits
  37. [37]
    Cal-Sag Bridge Repair - Path Construction
    Project Summary. Path completed the renovation and modification of four roadway bridges spanning the Cal-Sag Channel.
  38. [38]
    [PDF] LIGHT LIST - Volume V MISSISSIPPI RIVER SYSTEM - navcen
    This Light List contains a list of lights, buoys, daybeacons, and other aids to navigation. IMPORTANT. THIS LIGHT LIST SHOULD BE CORRECTED EACH. WEEK FROM THE ...<|separator|>
  39. [39]
    [PDF] ILLINOIS WATERWAY GENERAL NOTES: NAVIGATION ...
    These navigation charts were generated from information field surveys conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offices and from aerial.Missing: Cal- | Show results with:Cal-
  40. [40]
    [PDF] EM 1110-2-6055 - Inland Electronic Navigational Chart Engineering ...
    Feb 27, 2015 · This manual provides guidance for development, production, publication, and maintenance of Inland Electronic Navigational Charts (IENCs) for US ...
  41. [41]
    None
    ### Summary of Cal-Sag Channel Navigation and Shipping (2015-2017)
  42. [42]
    [PDF] US Coast Pilot 6, Chapter 11 - NOAA Nautical Charts
    Sep 28, 2025 · Calumet Sag Channel. These channels connect with the. Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal that leads southwest to connect with the Des Plaines ...
  43. [43]
    None
    ### Summary of Cal-Sag Channel Information from Chicago Industrial Corridors Barge Study (2015)
  44. [44]
    Calumet Water Reclamation Plant | MWRD
    Cal-Sag Channel ... We work every day to mitigate flooding and convert wastewater into valuable resources like clean water, phosphorus, biosolids and natural gas.
  45. [45]
    [PDF] Creating an Operational Forecasting System for the Chicago River
    Sep 2, 2023 · Lockport Lock regulates the water level throughout the canal, with the backwater effect impacting the entire Cal-Sag Channel and also reaching ...
  46. [46]
    [PDF] Fact Sheet
    The 36.7-mile Calumet TARP tunnel system captures combined sewer overflows and carries water to Thornton Reservoir. TARP Dropshafts redirect sewer overflow.
  47. [47]
    [PDF] ambient water quality monitoring
    Water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen are measured onsite at each sampling location. Following collection, the samples are transported to the Lue-Hing ...
  48. [48]
    [PDF] SIDESTREAM ELEVATED POOL AERATION (SEPA) STATIONS
    and outfall, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and Cal-Sag Channel flows are 116, 1890, and 1102 cfs, respectively. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal DO is ...
  49. [49]
    A History of Protecting Our Water Environment | MWRD
    The Cal-Sag Channel was ready for operation in 1922, which also was the year the first treatment plant of the Sanitary District of Chicago was finished. The Cal ...The Vision: Reversing The... · Protecting And Improving... · Recovering Resources...Missing: effluent | Show results with:effluent
  50. [50]
    Calumet River Redevelopment Chicago: A New Era - Circle of Blue
    Sep 17, 2025 · In 1922, the construction of the Cal-Sag Channel reversed the Calumet River in order to divert sewage and pollution from entering the great ...
  51. [51]
    https://www.isws.illinois.edu/pubdoc/cr/iswscr2000-02.pdf
  52. [52]
    Our Ecosystems - Forest Preserves of Cook County
    Nov 18, 2024 · A large wetland once occupied the Sag Valley in Palos Hills, where the Cal-Sag Channel now cuts through. It has since been reshaped to form ...Missing: loss 1200
  53. [53]
    [PDF] OUR GREAT RIVERS - Chicago - Metropolitan Planning Council
    The study found evidence of more diverse bacterial communities in the Cal-Sag Channel, which is consistent with a healthier ecosystem and less water pollution.
  54. [54]
    Nearly 60 different types of fish found in Chicago waterways, study ...
    Aug 7, 2020 · Nearly 60 different types of fish are swimming in the Chicago and Calumet rivers these days, up from fewer than 10 during the early 1980s, according to a new ...
  55. [55]
    None
    ### Summary of Cal-Sag Channel Watershed-based Plan Executive Summary
  56. [56]
    https://metroplanning.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2021_our_great_rivers_update_final.pdf
  57. [57]
    [PDF] National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits Consent ...
    Oct 7, 2015 · Analysis of the District's AWQM data shows that the CAWS typically exhibits high compliance with the new water quality standards, pH, chloride, ...
  58. [58]
    A century after it was cut off, Palos area creek reconnected to Cal ...
    May 29, 2019 · It's about knee-deep, Frisbie said, whereas the Cal-Sag Channel is about 20 feet deep. “The creek itself is really high-quality and fish ...Missing: depth | Show results with:depth
  59. [59]
    Calumet Rivers/Cal-Sag Channel Paddling/Fishing Page
    The water flows from the Grand Calumet River into the Calumet River and into the Cal-Sag Channel. I've searched a bit for access points and have not really ...
  60. [60]
    Sag Quarries - Forest Preserves of Cook County
    Birding · Boating, Canoeing & Kayaking · Camping · Cross-Country Skiing · Disc Golf · Dogs · Equestrian · Fishing · Golf · Hiking, Walking & Running · Indoor ...Missing: birdwatching | Show results with:birdwatching
  61. [61]
    Calumet Boat Launch - South - Chicago Park District
    Calumet Boat Launch - South. Facility Details. Main Address. 9801 S. Avenue G Chicago, IL 60617. United States. Tel: (312) 747-6039 |. Get Directions.
  62. [62]
    Little Calumet Boat Launch - Forest Preserves of Cook County
    A trailered boat launch provides access to the Little Calumet River for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with trolling motors.
  63. [63]
    Cal-Sag Channel may be cleaner but I wouldn't want to swim in it ...
    Aug 30, 2016 · The waterway is attracting more wildlife and increased interest from recreational users thanks to reduced pollution and sewage contamination.Missing: no | Show results with:no
  64. [64]
    Cal Sag & Big Lake Bass Anglers Competitive Fishing Tournaments
    The Cal Sag and Big Lake Bass Anglers were formed in 2019 to offer competitive bass anglers circuits with high payouts, more than taken in through fees.Rules & Maps · Schedule · AOY Standings · The ResultsMissing: annual | Show results with:annual
  65. [65]
    Cal-Sag Trail - Forest Preserves of Cook County
    The Cal-Sag Trail will eventually stretch 26 miles from Sag Quarries in Lemont to the Burnham Greenway near the Indiana border.Missing: starting endpoint townships suburbs
  66. [66]
    "1.5 Mile Cal-Sag Extension Opens In Palos Hills," Palos Hills Patch
    Aug 28, 2025 · The new extension of the Cal-Sag trail is now open. The 1.5 mile addition improves access to local schools, transit and the regional trail ...
  67. [67]
    Friends Receives Grant for a Multi-year Restoration and Water ...
    Dec 14, 2024 · Friends Receives Grant for a Multi-year Restoration and Water Quality Project · The reconnection of Mill Creek to the Cal-Sag Channel to allow ...