Navigating Unique Challenges: Teamwork in Relocating the Lois McClure

Lois McClure canal boat being measured in the water

In the summer of 2023, C&S’s Transportation team received an inquiry from Mr. Craig Williams, President of the Canal Society of New York State. Mr. Williams required an engineering firm to design a temporary roadway for transporting a replica canal boat, the “Lois McClure,” from Vermont to the Port Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park. This site is part of the historic Erie Canal Lock 52 Complex, situated approximately 30 miles west of Syracuse and accessible from the NYS Thruway eastbound.

The project involved pulling the canal boat into position on the abandoned canal bed behind the locks using a temporary road constructed from the park’s access road. Given our expertise in transportation engineering, we eagerly accepted the challenge despite the novelty of certain aspects of this project.

Lois McClure History

The Lois McClure is an 88-foot-long, 15-foot-wide replica canal boat, with a flat bottom, built between 2001 and 2004 by volunteers at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, Vermont. The boat, primarily constructed from white oak and white pine, weighs approximately 37.5 tons. Its design is based on an 1862-class canal schooner, which could be towed by mules along canals or sail in open waters using its three sails on two masts. The construction was informed by research on shipwrecks of sailing canal schooners in Lake Champlain and required 20,000 man-hours from four professional boat builders and 200 volunteers.

Throughout its nearly twenty-year service, the Lois McClure embarked on extensive educational tours, covering over 9,200 miles and attracting more than 312,000 visitors. In 2023, the Canal Society received the boat as a donation following its retirement by the museum.

Project Details

The scope of this project extended beyond our transportation team’s capabilities. The Canal Society’s initial plan involved towing the McClure from Vermont to a marina on Cayuga Lake for wintering. However, the plan for transferring the boat from water to the dry canal bed in Port Byron was undeveloped. This transfer required a crane capable of lifting the boat, a road-going trailer for transportation, and a cradle for display. C&S’s construction team was brought in to address these complexities.

The project initially faced rejection due to equipment constraints and concerns regarding the boat’s structural integrity. Nevertheless, recognizing the value of supporting the Canal Society’s educational mission, the team ultimately took on the challenge.

Crane holding up the Lois McClure canal boat over the water

On October 10th, 2024, the Lois McClure was successfully lifted by crane from the NY Barge Canal onto stands constructed by our construction team at Fox Ridge industrial site, approximately seven miles from Port Byron. This milestone followed extensive site visits, meetings with the Canal Society, and a thorough geotechnical investigation to ensure the lift site’s suitability for both the crane and the boat.
Determining the boat’s weight while in water posed significant challenges. After multiple attempts, using draft measurements, analysis of record plans, and removal of unnecessary ballast and equipment, we confidently established a safe lifting weight. Clark Rigging provided a mobile crane with sufficient capacity to handle the boat’s weight, estimated at 50 tons. The lift operation proceeded smoothly, and the Lois McClure will remain at the dock over the winter for maintenance and weather protection.

“What impressed me the most of our C&S team was the awe and wonder that they expressed at their first glance of the McClure, recognizing its educational potential. Yes, the technical knowledge and well-established hands-on experience of many years are also appreciated!”

— Craig Williams, President, Canal Society of New York State

The Canal Society had drone video taken during the lift, watch it here!

Project managers standing next to the Lois McClure, in its temporary cradle stand
Final Transportation

Next steps include utilizing a specialized trailer in the spring of 2025 to transport the boat from the dock to its final display location at Port Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park. This process requires permits for site work, bridge crossings, and oversize load travel on local and state highways. The planned route involves temporarily halting traffic on the NYS Thruway for the boat to travel eastbound and exit at the park. The removal of fencing and guide rails will facilitate the boat’s movement through historic locks to its permanent cradle. We anticipate exciting work ahead and are confident in our team’s ability to execute the project successfully. Stay tuned for further updates!

Mark Arner, Sr. Project Engineer
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