American Currents
ACBL’s Daily River Conditions
Friday, April 25th, 2025
Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Ohio and Lower Miss Rivers have been experiencing a historical flooding event. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the entire region, with water levels expected to continue rising. As a result, we anticipate the following disruptions:
USCG Lock Restrictions/Closures:
- Lower Miss River:
- Daylight restrictions are in effect southbound through all bridges in the system.
- Daylight restrictions are in effect at Memphis (LM 725) and Vicksburg (LM 435).
- Baton Rouge requires an assist boat when the river reaches 35′ through the Baton Rouge bridges, it is currently 38’ and rising.
- Upper Miss River:
- Daylight restrictions are in effect southbound through Cape Girardeau
Dock and Port Services: Flooding conditions will cause some docks and fleeting locations to suspend operations. For questions regarding individual locations, please reach out to your local contacts.
We understand that these disruptions may cause inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Our team is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.
If you have any questions regarding freight destined to the Ohio or Lower Miss Rivers or need further assistance, please contact your Salesperson or Customer Experience Specialist.
- Lower Miss Operational Impact –
- Due to the current river stage and operating conditions, ACBL has implemented draft and tow-size restrictions listed below.
- Loading drafts were reduced to 20% NBD Gulf to Cairo.
- Tow size has been reduced pending horsepower classification by 53-60% (15-16 barges)
- Expect delay to transit of 24-to-48 hours due to reduced navigable space in certain areas.
- Due to the current river stage and operating conditions, ACBL has implemented draft and tow-size restrictions listed below.
- New Cumberland Lock Closure (OR 54) – A scheduled primary chamber closure began at 0600 on February 28th thru May 28th to facilitate repairs. April 24th 07:00: Passed 5 tows in the last 24 hours, which averaged 2.4 hours of delay. LPMS shows 1 tow waiting, averaging 22 hours of delay.
- Wilson Lock (TR 259.4) -Main Chamber Closure 07:00 9/25 due to cracks in miter gate pintle, repair time is now extended to July 2025. April 24th 07:00, 0 tow passed in the last 24 hours, averaging 423.9 hours of delay. LPMS shows 32 tows waiting, which has an average of 259.00 hours of delay.
- Kentucky Lock Closure (TR 22.4) – Intermittent daily closures for repairs have been cancelled. There will be a full closure now beginning May 2nd at 0600 thru May 15th at 1800.
- Cheatham Lock Closure (CR 148.7) – Lock will be closed for scheduled repairs from March 3rd thru May 29th, 2025, with interim openings:
- Opening 4: May 1st starting at 1800 thru May 5th at 0600.
- Opening 5: May 15th starting at 1800 thru May 19th at 0600.
- Algiers Canal Closures (AC 3.8) –
- Old Hwy 23 Lift Bridge will be closed for 24 hours beginning at 0700 on May 8th thru May 9th.
- Daytime closures will occur Monday through Saturday, from 0630 to 1900, starting May 12th thru August 2025.
- Morley Lift Bridge Closures (PA 56) – There will be scheduled intermittent closures for several repairs:
- May 1st: 16-hour closure from 1900-1100
- May 15th: 16-hour closure from 1900-1100
- May 22nd: 16-hour closure from 1900-1100
- Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock (Industrial Canal Lock) – (EC001) – April 25th, delays of 20-25 hours have been reported over the past 24 hours.
- Colorado River Locks (WC 440) – The East and West locks will have daytime restrictions Monday through Friday, January 29th thru May 16th. April 24th 07:00: Passed 21 tows in the last 24 hours, which averaged 13.3 hours of delay. LPMS shows 1 tow waiting, which has an average of 44.00 hours of delay.
- Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Daytime closure August 31st, 2023, thru April 30, 2025. April 24th 07:00: Passed 30 tows in the last 24 hours, which averaged 11.5 hours of delay. LPMS shows 2 tows waiting, averaging 21.5 hours of delay.
- Leland Bowman Lock Closure (WC 163) – Daytime closures Monday thru Friday, from 0700-18:30, beginning March 24th thru April 25th for various repairs. As of April 21st, it has been decided 2 weeks of additional daytime closures are needed, dates are TBD.
