River Closures and Restricted Movements

Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland

  • McAlpine Lock Closure (OR 606) – The North (river) chamber will be closed from March 30th thru April 30th for miter gate repairs. All traffic should utilize the South (land) Chamber during this time.
  • Markland Lock Closure (OR 531.5) – Beginning April 16th locking of the primary chamber has resumed. Work is now being completed on the auxiliary chamber.
  • Montgomery Lock Closures (OR 31.7) – 24-hour closures, beginning at 0700, are scheduled on the following dates in support of ongoing contractor work:
    • May: 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 27th, 30th
    • June: 2nd, 8th, 11th, 15th, 18th
  • Emsworth Lock Closures (OR 6.2) – Beginning April 27th thru Sept. 4th, the auxiliary chamber will be closed daily from 0600 to 2359, and the primary chamber will have intermittent closures for filling valve maintenance.
  • Kentucky Lock (TR 22.3) – Lock Closure June 15th thru June 29th to facilitate miter gate gearbox replacement. Vessels may use Barkley Lock and the Barkley Canal as alternate route.

Chicago/Illinois/Upper Miss

  • Upper Miss High Water -Several locks are fully open; however, conditions may pose potential hazards. Forecasts do not indicate water levels exceeding closure stages for any locks or bridges.
  • Lock 19 Closure (UM 364.3) – Scheduled closure on May 6th from 0700-1900 for concrete removal.
  • 2026 Planned Illinois River Lockport Closure – Closure of the Lockport Lock, River Mile 291, starting March 31st, 2026, thru May 19th, 2026. Click here for our full guidance.
  • Illinois River Lockport Re-Opening – ACBL has distributed our annual guidance for accepting release dates above Lockport Lock. Click here for our full guidance.

Lower Miss/Gulf/Canals/Tenn Tom

  • Lower Miss Operational Impact
    • Due to the current river stage and operating conditions, ACBL has implemented draft restrictions listed below.
      • Loading drafts are not currently reduced NBD Gulf to Cairo.
      • Tow size has been reduced pending horsepower classification by 9-14% (4-5 barges)
    • Normal Water Stages:
      • Caruthersville to Memphis (LM 869- 725): 20′ – 5′
      • Memphis to Vicksburg (LM 725 – 439): 40′ – 20′
      • Vicksburg to Natchez (LM 439- 303): 30′ – 10′
    • Low Water Stages:
      • Caruthersville to Memphis (LM 869- 725): Below 5′
      • Memphis to Vicksburg (LM 725 – 439): Below 20′
      • Vicksburg to Natchez (LM 439- 303): Below 10′
    • For current river stage information, please refer to the links at the bottom of this page.
  • Harvey Canal (LM 98.3) – A 24/7 closure will begin on May 4th for municipal waterline repairs; estimated to complete on May 11th.
  • Glover Wilkins Lock Closure (TTW 376.3) – Scheduled 30-day closure for routine maintenance will occur from September 9th thru October 10th.
  • Thad Cochran Lock Closure (TTW 371.1) – Scheduled 30-day closure for routine maintenance will occur from September 10th thru October 10th.
  • Algiers Lock Closures (LM 88)
    • Full Lock Closure as of May 4th to remove debris, ETA to re-open is TBD. Divers are onsite.
    • Scheduled daytime closures beginning May 4th thru May 6th, 0700-1830, to perform emergency repairs on the canal end dolphin.
  • Bayou Sorrel Lock (PA 36.7) – As of May 4th the lock’s swing is broken in the closed position, ETA for repairs is the afternoon of 5/4.
    • Daytime closures are scheduled Monday–Friday, May 11th thru approx. June 5th, for guide wall work.
  • Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – As of April 1st, closures are scheduled through June 26th, Monday-Friday, between 1900 and 0700, to allow for repair work.
  • Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock (Industrial Canal Lock EC 1) – Daytime closures from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, will resume on April 13th thru approx. May 1st for reiver end guide-wall work.
  • Calcasieu Lock North Chamber Wall Replacement (WC 238) – Beginning May 18th thru Oct. 31st, the Calcasieu Lock will have daytime closures Monday thru Friday for repairs.