By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – The heavily used Barkley Lock will be closed to river traffic to undergo inspection. The Paducah Sun reports the closure is part of an inspection cycle which takes place every five years. More than 7 million tons of cargo passes through the lock annually. The lock master along with a contingent from the Army Corps of Engineers will be looking for normal wear in addition to possible damage stemming from this year's spring floods. The lock closure is not expected to cause delays in river traffic and the lock is scheduled to reopen August 31st.