River Closures and Restricted Movements

Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland

Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Ohio River is experiencing a historical flooding event. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the entire region, with water levels expected to continue rising. As a result, we anticipate the following disruptions:

USCG Lock Restrictions/Closures:

  • Locks along the Ohio River have implemented daylight only restrictions and others will be closed to ensure safety and prevent damage. This will affect navigation and cause delays in transit.
    • Newburgh Lock & Dam (OR776) No longer transiting through the pass as of 4/12, expected to open 4/15.
    • John T. Meyers (OR 846) No longer transiting through the pass as of 4/12, expected to open 4/19.
    • Smithland Lock (OR 918.5) – Closed as of 4/12 at 0200, estimated to open on 4/19.
    • Daylight restrictions are in effect at Cape Girardeau/Thebes Bridge (UM 50), Memphis (LM 725), and Vicksburg (LM 435)
    • Baton Rouge will require an assist boat when the river reaches 35′ through the Baton Rouge bridges
  • Daylight restrictions are in effect at Cape Girardeau/Thebes Bridge (UM 50), Memphis (LM 725), and Vicksburg (LM 435)
  • Baton Rouge will require an assist boat when the river reaches 35′ through the Baton Rouge bridges.
  • Dock and Port Services: Flooding conditions will cause some docks and fleeting locations to suspend operations. For questions regarding individual locations, please reach out to your local contacts.
    • We understand that these disruptions may cause inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. The situation is rapidly evolving as additional rains continue. There will be another industry call on Monday to discuss additional closures and how this will affect the Cairo area and Lower Mississippi region. Expect immediate and major impacts to all areas from the Upper Ohio to Baton Rouge. Our team is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.
      • If you have any questions regarding freight destined to the Ohio River
  • McAlpine Lock Closure (OR 606) -Beginning January 6th thru March 25th there will be intermittent daytime closures starting at 0700 for up to 10 hours a day to work on the Portland Canal wall. Work was suspended as of March 13th, more info to come.
  • New Cumberland Lock Closure (OR 54) – A scheduled primary chamber closure began at 0600 on February 28th thru May 28th to facilitate repairs.
  • Tennessee-Tombigbee Channel Closure (TT 410) – The navigation channel will be closed from 0700-1900 beginning March 29th thru approx. April 19th for strike removal.
  • Wilson Lock (TR 259.4) -Main Chamber Closure 07:00 9/25 due to cracks in miter gate pintle, repair time is now estimated to be June 14, 2025.
  • Kentucky Lock Closure (TR 22.4) – Intermittent daily closures for repairs to the emergency dam structure from 0600-1800, beginning April 11th thru April 19th. There will be a full closure beginning April 21st thru May 1st.
  • Cheatham Lock Closure (CR 148.7) – Lock will be closed for scheduled repairs from March 3rd thru May 29th, 2025, with interim openings:
    • Opening 3: April 17th starting at 1800 thru April 21st at 0600.
    • Opening 4: May 1st starting at 1800 thru May 5th at 0600.
    • Opening 5: May 15th starting at 1800 thru May 19th at 0600.

Chicago/Illinois/Upper Miss

  • Lock 19 Closure (UM 364.3) – Expect random intermittent closures April 16th thru April 18th to conduct the removal of 2 old power line towers.
  • Mel Price Lock (UM 200) – Main chamber closure January 1st thru April 1st, expected to open during the afternoon of April 14th.
  • Lock 27 (UM 185.5) – Delays of 30-35 hours are being seen as of April 14th.

Lower Miss/Gulf/Canals/Tenn Tom

  • Lower Miss Operational 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 20% NBD Gulf to Cairo.
      • Tow size has been reduced pending horsepower classification by 33-53% (10-16 barges)
      • Expect delays to transit of 24-to-48 hours due to reduced navigable space in certain areas.
  • Daylight restrictions are in effect at Cape Girardeau/Thebes Bridge (UM 50), Memphis (LM 725), and Vicksburg (LM 435)
  • Delays may be seen from Catoosa (AK 445) thru Van Buren (AK 298)
  • Baton Rouge will require an assist boat when the river reaches 35′ through the Baton Rouge bridges.
  • Algiers Lock Closure (LM 88.0) – The scheduled daytime closures from 0700-1800, Monday-Saturday, April 7th thru May 3rd, has now been delayed until April 17th for completion of river end guidewall and dolphin construction.
    • Average delays of 18-20 hours have been reported.
  • Morley Lift Bridge Closures (PA 56) – There will be scheduled intermittent closures for several repairs:
    • April 17th: 16-hour closure from 1900-1100
    • May 1st: 16-hour closure from 1900-1100
    • May 15th: 16-hour closure from 1900-1100
    • May 22nd: 16-hour closure from 1900-1100
  • Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock (Industrial Canal Lock) – (EC001) – A daytime closure is scheduled for April 17th from 0630-1800 to facilitate repairs.
    • As of April 14th, there have been delays reported of up to 26-30 hours.
  • Colorado River Locks (WC 440) – The East and West locks will have daytime restrictions Monday through Friday now starting January 29th thru February 28th has now been extended until May 16th.
  • Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Daytime closure started August 31st, 2023, and was expected to last thru February 28th but has now been extended to April 30, 2025.
  • Leland Bowman Lock Closure (WC 163) – Daytime closures Monday thru Friday, from 0700-18:30, beginning March 24th thru April 25th for various repairs.