River Closures and Restricted Movements

Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland

  • Ohio River Draft Reduction – ACBL implemented a 10′ draft restriction for loadings in the Gulf to the Ohio. Additionally, we are implementing a 10′ draft reduction from Cincinatti to Owensboro; 10’6″ Owensboro off the Ohio.
    • Monongahela River Draft Reduction – The USACE has instituted its low-level procedures and the river is in critical flow stages. In turn, there is now an 8’6″ draft restriction until conditions improve.

Chicago/Illinois/Upper Miss

  • Upper Miss Draft Reduction – ACBL implemented a 10’6″ draft restriction for loadings in the Gulf to St. Louis. Additionally, we are implementing an 11’6″ draft St. Louis due south.
  • 2023 Illinois River 120-Day Closure – ACBL has released our guidance for shipments to/from the Illinois River and Chicago which will be impacted by the lock closures Jun – Sep 2023. Click Here for our full guidance. Please contact your sales representative if you have further questions.
    • Post 120-Day Closure – ACBL has released our guidance for reopening release dates to destinations above the lock closures. Click here for our full guidance.

Lower Miss/Gulf/Canals/Tenn Tom

  • Lower Miss Draft Reduction – Due to the current river stage and operating conditions, ACBL implemented draft and tow-size restrictions working in conjunction with USCG and Industry.
    • Loading drafts remain 20% reduced NBD Gulf to Cairo; 20% reduction SBD Cairo to Gulf.
      • Note 16% reduction SBD from Lake Providence to the Gulf.
    • Tow size is limited to 6-widths from Cairo to the Gulf, reflecting a 17-25% reduction in tow size pending horsepower class.
    • Expect delay to transit of 24-to-48 hours due to reduced navigable space in certain areas.
  • Port of Catoosa Closure (AK 446) – The harbor service at the Port of Catoosa will only be operation during daylight hours, including weekends. Any vessels coming in during the night needs to make arrangements for a place to land in the fleet or to stand by outside the port until daylight.
  • Webbers Falls Lock Closure (AK 366) – Will be closed to navigation from September 11th at 07:00 until 17:00 on September 17th for repair.
  • Joe Hardin Lock Closure (AK 50) – Lock expected to be closed to traffic beginning at 07:00 on September 11th until 19:00 on September 15th to allow for necessary repairs.
  • LaGrange Dredging (LM 545) – Dredge Jadwin completed the work at Cumbyville and is repositioned with planned rolling 24-hr closures. Expect delays of 24 to 36 hours.
  • Bayou Sorrel Lock Closure (PA 37) – Daily closures resumed June 26th to facilitate guide wall repairs from 07:00 to 16:00. Work is expected to continue until complete in early March 2024. Currently experiencing minimal delay.
  • Morgan City Bridge Repair (PA 1) – The periodical channel closure has been postponed to early-September. More details to come as we approach the projected start date.
  • Industrial Lock Congestion (EC 0) – Due to increased industry traffic, lockage at Industrial Lock is delaying boats 1-2 days. Expected to continue going forward due to volumes in the Michoud area and greater East Canal
  • Algiers Lock Closure (AC 0) – The lock is projected to be closed starting October 2nd thru December 1st to facilitate repairs from an allision in early July.
  • Harvey Lock Closure (WC 0) – The lock is closed to marine traffic as of June 15th until further notice due to risk from reverse head conditions on the Lower Mississippi River.
  • Leland Bowman Delays (WC 163) – Since August 21st, there are 2-hours delays between lockage to limit saltwater intrusion due to extremely low water levels in the Mermentau Basin. Experiencing 24+ hours of delay to transit.
  • Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Daytime closure started August 31st thru November 29th with daily closures from 07:00 to 19:00 to facilitate repairs. Currently experiencing minimal delay.