20 Feb 2024

Waterway/Lock Closures

Keep up-to-date with waterway and lock closures around the Great Loop. We'll post them here as we become aware of them.

Waterway/Lock Closure Listings

Deep Creek Bridge, Dismal Swamp Canal

Mariners are advised of an infrastructure refurbishment project on the Deep Creek Bridge, mile 11.1 over the Dismal Swamp Canal, in Chesapeake, Virginia. The project will require the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from January 6, 2025, through May 5, 2025, to facilitate construction of the new bascule span of the new bridge. During this time period, visitors to Lake Drummond will be able to access the Dismal Swamp Canal via the South Mills Locks in South Mills, North Carolina or from the various boat ramps along the canal. Vessels transiting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway will need to use the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal as an alternate route during this timeframe.

During the closure, Loopers in the area, particularly those heading north to Norfolk for the May Rendezvous, can remain on the AICW to avoid it.

W. P. Franklin Lock, Okeechobee Waterway

W.P Franklin Lock is open with a 26 foot width restriction until further notice. For updates, contact the Franklin Lock & Dam at 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908.

Okeechobee Waterway

2/6/25-Boaters are advised to stay in the Navigation Channel. The drawdown of Lake Okeechobee to more normal levels make staying in channel for deeper draft vessels imperative. This includes the St. Lucie Canal and Caloosahatchee River.

Lockport Lock, Illinois Waterway, River Mile 291

The Lockport Lock, River Mile 291, was originally scheduled to be closed to all vessel traffic from 0600 CST Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 through 1600 CST Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 but they identified an additional need for repairs and the closure was expected to last into May. On 3/10/25, they announced the closure would only be in effect until Friday, April 4th, 2025. The purpose of this closure is for the installation of the new Vertical Lift Gates, and sill & seal modifications and repairs. In the event the installation and repairs are completed prior to the scheduled completion time, an amendment to this Notice to Navigation Interests will be posted. If you have any questions/comments/concerns regarding this Notice to Navigation Interests, please contact Michael Walsh, USACE Chicago District Waterway Project Office Chief, (815) 510-0361 or at [email protected].

Brandon Road Lock, Illinois Waterway, River Mile 286

The Brandon Road Lock, River Mile 286, will be closed to all vessel traffic between the hours of 0600 CST on Mondays to 2400 CST on Fridays, beginning at 0600 CST Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 and continuing through 1600 CST Tuesday, March 25th, 2025. The lock will be closed from 0600 on Mondays through 2400 on Fridays, but will be open from 0000 on Saturdays until 0600 on Mondays to allow traffic to pass. This schedule will remain throughout the duration listed above. The purpose of this closure is for rock excavation and dredging in the channel below the Lock. Mariners are requested not to tie up to the guidewalls during this time unless directed by Lock staff. Please call (309) 676-4601 x4117 for further information.

Tennesse-Tombigbee Waterway, Mississippi Temporary Closure Bay Springs Lake Whitten Pool, Mile 427-428

Notice is given to mariners that Graham Fiber Services, LLC will be installing a new overhead fiber optic cable between river miles 427-428 in the divide cut section of Bay Springs Lake. The area will be closed to traffic on Saturday, 29-MAR-2025 from 0800 to approximately 2000. A follow-up notice to navigation will be issued once the work is complete and the area is re-opened to traffic.

For further information regarding this work, please contact Derek Graham with Graham Fiber Services at (256) 303-5282.