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:
Fleeting operations have recovered and are operating at normal production but please note daily miles are lower than normal average. Expect delays in transits and lockages.
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:
Operations have recovered and are returning to normalcy – expect some delays on tow-work/dock spots.
Illinois River Weather-Related Issues:
The following fleet operations have resumed; however, there are significant delays with tow work and dock spots are limited as of February 16th.
Beardstown, Dosh, Havana, Peoria, Pekin, Spring Valley, Hennepin, LaSalle, Ottawa, Morris, Naples, Lacon
Channahon/Lemont
Lemont has begun cleaning barges as of February 5th.
Transit from Lemont to Chicago with 1-2 barges has begun, expect slower transit times.
SAG Canal/Chicago Harbor/Lake Michigan
Cleaning resumed in Chicago on 2/10.
Several docks are frozen in.
Lake conditions to be reviewed later in the week of 2/16.
Lock Delays due to river conditions:
Lagrange Lock (IR 80) – February 16th 03:00: Passed 4 tows in the last 24 hours, which averaged 76.9 hours of delay. LPMS shows 29 tows waiting, averaging 34.6 hours of delay.
Marseilles Lock (IR 244.6) – February 16th 03:00: Passed 6 tows in the last 24 hours, which averaged 71.8 hours of delay. LPMS shows 10 tows waiting, averaging 39.5 hours of delay.
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:
The Lower Miss has returned to mostly normal operations
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.
C.W. Bill Young Lock Closure (AR 14.5) – The Allegheny River lock will be closed for maintenance from March 16th thru April 10th. A full river closure will be in effect during this period.
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.
As of February 13th, restrictions have been suspended thru February 17th. Restrictions will resume on February 18th.
Daytime closures from 0630-1730 beginning January 30th thru March 27th to facilitate demolition of the river end guidewall.
Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Dredging operations will require daily closures from 0700 to 1900, beginning February 10th and continuing through March 5th.
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′.
