Statement of Significance (as of designation - November 13, 1966):
Completed in 1832, the Ohio and Erie Canal united Cleveland and Portsmouth, forming part of a system that connected Lake Erie to the Ohio River and gave access to New York, Pennsylvania, and Indiana canals. This system brought rapid growth in population, industry, and commerce to Ohio. The designated section includes locks, an aqueduct, mills, and houses.

Condition:
The Tinkers Creek Aqueduct is a primary structure on the NHL portion of the canal and continues to deteriorate rapidly. Due to the advanced state of decay, the aqueduct structure and the associated towpath Trial bridge will be removed and eventually replace with a modern aqueduct and bridge. Phase 1 of the project will involve removal of the existing aqueduct and Towpath Bridge, installation of a new Towpath Bridge, installation of temporary steel pipes to carry the canal water over the creek, restoration of portions of the sandstone abutment walls, and installation of a temporary high-water overflow structure. A later phase will include replacement of the aqueduct structure with a new design and restoration of the existing sandstone center pier and remaining abutment walls. Phase 1 is to begin in FY 2007. The increased numbers of flood events in recent years has caused significant damage to the river and stream banks which potentially threatens the canal basin. Ongoing monitoring and stabilization of river and stream banks will continue as needed. Subsidence continues behind the wall of Lock 38 due to water infiltration. Previous repairs have been unsuccessfully at stabilizing the grade behind the wall.

Ongoing monitoring and stabilization of riverbanks continues as needed. A plan has been proposed to repair the sinking areas behind Lock 38 walls through excavation and installation of concrete grout.