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

Lock Restriction-Single Gate Operation Chicago Harbor Lock

8/18/25-Chicago Harbor Lock will be locking with restrictions until further notice. The left descending, or southwest sector gate, is currently out of operation and repair timelines are unknown. Vessels who can enter and exit the chamber safely with only a single gate opening will still be permitted to lock. Vessels transiting the lock during single gate operations are to take every precaution not to bump into the out of service gate during transit. The following link provides access to all USACE Notices to Navigation Interests: https://ndc.ops.usace.army.mil/ords/f?p=107:1::::::. If you have any questions/comments/concerns regarding this Notice to Navigation Interests, please contact Michael Walsh, USACE Chicago District Waterways Project Office Operations Manager at 815-510-0361 or by email at [email protected].

Lock Closure Lockport Lock River Mile 291, Illinois Waterway

10/15/25-Lockport Lock, River Mile 291, will be closed starting Tuesday March 31, 2026 at 0600 until Tuesday May 19, 2026 at 1900. The purpose of the closure is to perform emergency replacement of the miter gate pintle sockets. Mariners shall not tie up to guide walls during the closure period unless requested to do so by lock staff. If you have any questions/comments/concerns regarding this Notice to Navigation Interests, please contact Michael Walsh, USACE Chicago District Waterways Project Office Operations Manager at 815-510-0361 or by email at [email protected].

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

5/23/25-Notice is given that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is advising commercial and recreational vessels to check lake and canal levels daily when making navigation decisions. USACE is conducting RECOVERY operations, which involve the lowering of Lake Okeechobee to allow for growth of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and for the overall health of the lake. This is causing lake levels to be lower than typical. Additionally, the Corps may hold the upper pool of the C-43 canal, between the Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam (S-77) and Ortona Lock and Dam (S-78) below its optimal level.

You may check lake and route depths at: https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml

GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (Mile 204.8)
Bridge Repairs - Santa Rosa Sound, Navarre, FL

Notice is given to mariners that the FL 399 fixed bridge protection system across the Santa Rosa Sound, near Navarre, FL is being replaced. This project starts Aug 29, 2025, and ends February 16, 2026. Work will primarily take place Monday through Friday from 6:30 am until 5:00 pm, with Saturday and Sunday as reservation dates. The following equipment will be on site for the project duration: a 120' x 50' crane barge, a 60' x 40' sectional barge and a 120' x 30' material barge along with small work boats and platforms. The barges, boats and platforms, at times, will be working in the main channel. Mariners are advised to contact the construction company, Soule Construction, LLC at least 3 hours before arriving at the bridge to make passing arrangements.

Mariners can contact Soule Construction using VHF-FM Channel 16 and at 850-520-0199 or 205-799-1149.

Questions may be addressed by contacting the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile Waterways Management Division at 251-382-8653 or email at [email protected].