River Closures and Restricted Movements

Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland

  • Ohio River Weather-Related Issues:
    • Cincinnati (OR 473) south to Cairo is beginning to return to normal operations, delays are still to be expected.
    • The following fleet operations are not operating or have limited hours for operations as of February 10th.
      • Parkersburg (daylight only operations), Bellaire, Follansbee, Georgetown (can sparingly spot docks)
    • The following fleet operations have resumed; however, there are significant delays with tow work and dock spots are limited as of February 10th.
      • Metropolis, Shawneetown, Mt. Vernon, Owensboro, Newburgh, Jeffersonville, Madison, Cincinnati, Southpoint.
    • 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.
  • Tennessee River Weather-Related Issues:
    • Due to ongoing weather conditions, fleeting operations and lock transit on the Tennessee River are experiencing significant delays. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions allow.
  • McAlpine Lock Closure (OR 606) –
    • 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:
    • Some vendors between St. Louis and Cairo have resumed operations; however, there are significant delays with towing work and dock spots are limited.
  • Illinois River Weather-Related Issues:
    • The following fleet operations are not doing tow rework, dock spotting, or cleanings as of February 10th. 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 10th.
      • 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 10th.
      • Lemont has begun cleaning barges as of February 5th.
      • Transit from Lemont to Chicago is expected to begin slowly this week.
    • SAG Canal/Chicago Harbor/Lake Michigan
      • Cleaning to resume in Chicago on 2/10.
      • All docks are frozen in, TBD when dock spots resume.
      • Lake conditions to be reviewed later in the week of 2/10.
    • 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.
  • Lower Mississippi River Weather-Related Issues:
    • The Lower Miss has returned to mostly normal operations
      • Blytheville, Hickman Pt., Memphis, Osceola, Hickman KY, Greenville
    • 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 28%-33% (10-11 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.
  • Old River Lock Closures (LM 303) – Beginning February 9th and continuing until further notice, the lock will be subject to intermittent delays during daylight hours (up to 10 hours daily) for repairs.
  • 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′.
  • Gulf Region Fog – As of February 9th, due to fog in the area, delays are anticipated.