Bridge and Lock Tenders

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (22%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 0 (0%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 14 (78%)

• Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Prepare accident reports.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about bridge and lock tenders and AI