The W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam is a navigable structure located on the Caloosahatchee River near Olga, Florida 33 miles upstream of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. It was built in 1965 by the Army Corps of Engineers at a cost of $3.8 million dollars.  It is also currently maintained by the Corps.

    The lock and dam were built for flood and water control and as a preventative measure against salt water intrusion.

     The lock chamber was constructed of concrete and welded structural steel gates and concrete bays.  Dimensions are 56 feet wide; 400 feet long; and 14 feet high.  Lock lift is 2 to 3 feet.  During a one year period, 15,000 vessels pass through the locks.