American Currents

ACBL’s Daily River Conditions

Upper Miss Closeout – ACBL passed our final departure dates for southbound traffic from St. Paul through Clinton. Click here for our full guidance.
- Surface level ice has been reported in the region (UM 457) with boats experiencing up to 4 hours of delay to work through conditions.

2025 Planned Illinois River Lock Port Closure – The closure of the Lockport Lock, River Mile 291, was delayed and is now scheduled to start January 28th, 2025, through March 25th, 2025. The initial advisory regarding releases has been revised as of November 7th. Please see the advisory below.
- The purpose of this closure is for the installation of the new Vertical Lift Gates, and sill & seal modifications and repairs. This closure will inhibit the ability to move barges from the Illinois to Chicago and Chicago to Illinois.
- 2025 Illinois River Lockport Closure

Lower Miss Low Water Impact –
- Due to the current river stage and operating conditions, ACBL has implemented draft and tow-size restrictions listed below.
  - Loading drafts were reduced to 16% NBD Gulf to Cairo.
  - Tow size has been reduced pending horsepower classification by 16-20% (6-7 barges)
  - Expect delay to transit of 24-to-48 hours due to reduced navigable space in certain areas.

LaGrange Lock Delays (IR 80.2) – There have been delays reported of up to 48 hours due to congestion, hindering timings going to the river as of December 13th.

Weather Delays – Weather issues have been reported throughout the Midwest, Gulf, and Canals. We have lost 17 boat days due to wind and fog. The extreme winds in the Chicago area are preventing transit across the lake; resulting in delays for barges to load or discharge in a timely manner.

Dashields Lock and Dam Closure (OR 13.3) – Main chamber closure starting December 17th thru December 19th from 0800-1600 each day to install a mooring system. Auxiliary chamber will be passing traffic.

McAlpine Lock Closure (OR 606) –McAlpine: Intermittent daytime closures due to work in the Portland Canal, December 2^nd through January 31^st.December 20^th 07:00 Passed 16 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 0.42 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 0 tows waiting that have averaged 0.00 hours of delay.
Pike Island Lock Closure (OR84.3) –Main Chamber closure November 18^th now extended through January 20^th. December 20^th 07:00 Passed 8 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 0.40 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 0 tows waiting that have averaged 0.00 hours of delay.

Wilson Lock (TR 259.4) – Main Chamber Closure 07:00 9/25 due to cracks in miter gate pintle, repair time is currently estimated to be April 20, 2025. December 20^th 07:00 Passed 3 tows and a partial tow with 12 barges in the last 24 hours, that averaged 296.10 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 28 tows and a partial tow with 176 barges waiting that have averaged 183.26 hours of delay.

Kentucky Lock Closure (TR 22.4) – Intermittent closures starting January 6th thru January 31st, 2025, due to work and repairs; some closures will take place from 0600-1800.

Cheatham Lock Closure (CR 148.7) – Lock will be closed for scheduled repairs from March 3rd thru May 29th, 2025, with interim openings:
- Opening 1: March 20th starting at 1800 thru March 24th at 0600.

Togo Closures (LM 413) –
- Intermittent closures beginning December 18th thru December 30th for MSU project. No S/B traffic between 0600-1800. N/B restrictions to no more than 4 wide and 6 long. Queue will clear each night.
- Closure will pause from 12/24 thru 12/25, then resume closures on 12/26.
- Starting January 6th, for 83 days a scheduled closure will be in place for S/B traffic due to dike installations.

Harvey Lock Closure (LM 98.3) – Lock is closed as of December 15th due to reverse head conditions, opening is dependent upon cold front coming in later this week.
- On December 19th Harvey Canal will be closed from 0700-1730 in support of off-loading equipment.

Bayou Sorrel Lock Closure (PA 37) –Weekday closures 07:00-19:00Monday-Thursday/Friday. Project was unavailable 06:40-17:31 12/19. December 20^th 07:00 Passed 14 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 17.67 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 5 tows waiting that have averaged 12.66 hours of delay.

Port Arthur Channel Closure (WC 288) – There will be dredging closures starting October 17th through January 2025 with traffic passing from 1600-2000. This work will take place in Taylor’s Bayou and will impact transit into Port Arthur.

Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Weekday closures 07:00-19:00starting August 31^st, 2023, now extended through February 2025. Project was unavailable 06:58-18:16 12/19. LPMS is not showing any transits since 04:00 12/20. December 20^th 07:00 Passed 16 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 12.30 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 0 tows waiting that have averaged 0.00 hours of delay.