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.