Willow Island Lock Closure (OR 162) – Lock closure as of January 29th, opening is TBD.
February 2nd 03:00: Passed 0 tows in the last 24 hours. LPMS shows 114tows waiting, averaging 108.1 hours of delay.
Smithland Lock Delay(OR 918.5) –
February 2nd 03:00: Passed 10 tows in the last 24 hours, which averaged 20.1 hours of delay. LPMS shows 11 tows waiting, averaging 32.3 hours of delay.
Tow size has been restricted from 15 barges to 12 barges on the Ohio River.
Please note that all plans are fluid and subject to change. We will continue to monitor conditions closely. If any critical updates arise over the weekend, they will be communicated as soon as possible.
TennesseeRiver Weather-Related Issues:
Due to ongoing weather conditions, fleeting operations onto the Tennessee River are experiencing significant delays. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions allow.
Dectaur Railroad Bridge (TT297) – bridge has been down since January 30th, no vessels can currently transit, opening is TBD.
Wilson Lock (TR 259) – open but experiencing extended delays
Pickwick Lock (TR 206) – open but experiencing extended delays
McAlpine Lock Closure (OR 606) –
The land chamber will be closed from 0600-1800, beginning January 28th thru February 8th, for repairs on a culvert valve.
Portland Canal Main Wall Repairs – Starting October 27th, they will begin repairing the main wall of the Portland Canal. They will pass traffic N/B 0700-1000, No traffic will pass from 1000-1500, N/B only from 1500-1900, then all traffic will pass from 1900-0700. They expect this to last until April 2026.
Chicago/Illinois/Upper Miss
Upper Mississippi River Weather-Related Issues:
Operations have resumed; however, there are significant delays with towing work and dock spots are limited.
Cleanings will begin again in St. Louis however there will be significant delays.
Illinois River Weather-Related Issues:
The following fleet operations are not doing tow rework, dock spotting, or cleanings as of February 2nd. All fleets will maintain staffing for fleet watch; if safe work opportunities arise, crews will attempt to proceed.
Lacon
The following fleet operations have resumed; however, there are significant delays with tow work and dock spots are limited as of February 2nd.
Beardstown, Dosh, Havana, Peoria, Pekin, Spring Valley, Hennepin, LaSalle, Ottawa, Morris, Naples
Channahon/Lemont
Operations have resumed; however, there are significant delays, minimal tow work, and limited dock spots as of February 2nd.
Lemont will begin sweeping barges as of February 2nd, TBD when washing will begin.
SAG Canal/Chicago Harbor/Lake Michigan
All operations have been suspended
Reassessment January 31st
Please note that all plans are fluid and subject to change. We will continue to monitor conditions closely. If any critical updates arise over the weekend, they will be communicated as soon as possible.
Ice Couplings on the Illinois River– Due to River conditions, as of December 5th ice couplings are now required at various locks on the Illinois.
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.
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.
Lower Miss/Gulf/Canals/Tenn Tom
Effective September 1, 2025, ACBL has implemented our low water protocol based on readings from the Memphis gauge reaching 0′. Please be advised that low water surcharges will be applied in accordance with the terms outlined in your contract. We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ACBL representative.
LowerMississippi River Weather-Related Issues:
Due to ongoing weather conditions, fleeting operations are experiencing significant delays. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions allow.
Please note that all plans are fluid and subject to change. We will continue to monitor conditions closely. If any critical updates arise over the weekend, they will be communicated as soon as possible.
Lower Miss Operational Impact –
Due to the current river stage and operating conditions, ACBL has implemented draft restrictions listed below.
Loading drafts were reduced to 5% 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.
Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock (Industrial Canal Lock EC 1) – Daytime closures from 0630-1730 beginning January 30th thru March 27th to facilitate demolition of the river end guidewall.
February 2nd 03:00: Passed 8 tows in the last 24 hours, which averaged 83.0 hours of delay. LPMS shows 21 tows waiting, averaging 49.0 hours of delay.
Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Dredging operations will require daily closures from 0700 to 1900, beginning February 10th and continuing through May 11th.
Calcasieu Lock North Chamber Wall Replacement (WC 238) – Beginning in March 2026 there will be two 35-day, Daytime lock closures at the Calcasieu Lock. Expected to last until October. Max width during the nighttime passings will be 54′.
