American Currents

ACBL’s Daily River Conditions

Upper Miss Closeout – ACBL has sent out our annual guidance for final release dates to the Upper Miss and final departure dates off of this river. Click here for our full guidance.

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 23-40% (9-12 barges)
  - Expect delay to transit of 24-to-48 hours due to reduced navigable space in certain areas.

McAlpine Lock Closure (OR 606) – The work temporarily suspended as of October 7th will resume on December 2nd starting at 07:00 to 19:00 up to 10 hours a day, there will be daily closures to downbound traffic while work is being conducted with normal operations resuming in the evening.

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.

Hannibal Lock Closure (OR 126) – Main Chamber closure June 3^rd through November 30^th. Auxiliary Chamber was unavailable 03:52-05:32 11/24. November 29^th 07:00 Passed 11 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 5.26 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 starting November 18th at 0600 until December 23rd for structural upgrades and to repower the hydraulic system. November 29^th 07:00 Passed 8 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 0.53 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, dewatering scheduled between November 12th and December 20th. Repair time is currently unknown. LPMS is not showing any transits since 12:30 11/28. November 28^th 12:30 Passed 1 tow with 8 barges in the last 24 hours, that averaged 305.98 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 32 tows with 181 barges waiting that have averaged 134.68 hours of delay.

Profit Island MSU (LM 249) – Daily closures to begin Wednesday, November 20th thru December 2nd from 0600-1800.
- There will be no restrictions between November 29th (starting at 1300) thru December 2nd.

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 03:25-05:55 11/28. November 29^th 00:00 Passed 25 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 15.89 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 5 tows waiting that have averaged 12.75 hours of delay.

Port Arthur Channel Closure (WC 288) – There is a potential channel closure was postponed to tomorrow, October 17th of up to six hours to facilitate pipe work.
- 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 available all day 11/27. LPMS is not showing any transits since 02:42 11/29. November 29^th 07:00 Passed 11 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 0.63 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 0 tows waiting that have averaged 0.00 hours of delay.