How does locking through work for a barge?

Locking through for a barge involves navigating the vessel into a lock chamber, which is a water-filled compartment that can be raised or lowered. The lock gates close behind the barge, and water is either added or drained from the chamber to adjust the water level, allowing the barge to ascend or descend to the next section of the waterway. Once the water level matches that of the next segment, the front gates open, allowing the barge to continue its journey. This process is essential for overcoming differences in elevation in canal systems.