Will AI Replace Bridge and Lock Tenders?

Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Prepare accident reports.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.