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 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 36-40% (12-13 barges)
  - Expect delay to transit of 24-to-48 hours due to reduced navigable space in certain areas.

McAlpine Lock Closure (OR 606) – Intermittent daytime closures to downbound traffic from 0700-1900 starting December 2nd thru January 31st due to Portland Canal wall repairs. Work in Portland Canal restricted S/B transits 06:00-18:45 12/5. December 6^th 07:00 Passed 13 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 7.23 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 1 tow waiting that has averaged 0.42 hours of delay.

Markland Lock Closure (OR 531.5) – Both the main and auxiliary chambers will be closed on December 3rd, 5th, 10th and 12th from 0730-1730 for upgrades and repairs. Both chambers will be passing traffic daily before and after closures.

Pike Island Lock Closure (OR84.3) – Main chamber closure starting November 18th at 0600 until December 23rd for structural upgrades and to repower the hydraulic system. December 6^th 07:00 Passed 4 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 0.26 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 1 tow waiting that has averaged 1.05 hours of delay.

Wilson Lock (TR 259.4) – Main Chamber Closure 07:00 9/25 due to cracks in miter gate pintle, dewatering scheduled between November 12th and December 20th. Repair time is currently unknown. LPMS is not showing any transits since 01:45 12/6. December 6^th 01:45 Passed 5 tows with 9 barges in the last 24 hours, that averaged 281.49 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 23 tows with 156 barges waiting that have averaged 165.17 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.

Bayou Sorrel Lock Closure (PA 37) – Daily closures Monday through Friday resumed June 26th, 2023, through February 2025, to facilitate guide wall repairs from 07:00 to 19:00. Project was unavailable 02:55-16:01 12/5. December 6^th 07:00 Passed 15 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 24.45 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 8 tows waiting that has averaged 14.91 hours of delay.

Port Arthur Channel Closure (WC 288) – There will also 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) – Daytime closure started August 31st, 2023, and was expected to last thru November 2024 but has now been extended to February 28, 2025. Project was unavailable 07:09-11:36 12/5. LPMS is not showing any transits since 03:34 12/6. December 6^th 03:34 Passed 17 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 10.64 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 5 tows waiting that have averaged 12.50 hours of delay.