River Closures and Restricted Movements

Ohio/Tennessee/Cumberland

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:

  • Ohio River:
    • John T. Meyers (OR 846) Resumed Locking at 1400 on 4/19, traffic will transit on a 12-hour rotation of locking 12-hour Northbound, then switching 12-hour Southbound. April 21st, delays of 38-40 hours have been reported over the past 24 hours.
  • 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.

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.

  • New Cumberland Lock Closure (OR 54) – A scheduled primary chamber closure began at 0600 on February 28th thru May 28th to facilitate repairs.
  • Tennessee-Tombigbee Channel Closure (TT 410) – The navigation channel will be closed from 0700-1900 beginning March 29th thru approx. April 19th for strike removal.
  • Wilson Lock (TR 259.4) -Main Chamber Closure 07:00 9/25 due to cracks in miter gate pintle, repair time is now estimated to be June 14, 2025.
  • 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:

    Chicago/Illinois/Upper Miss

    Lower Miss/Gulf/Canals/Tenn Tom

    • 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 33-53% (10-16 barges)
        • Expect delays to transit of 24-to-48 hours due to reduced navigable space in certain areas.
    • Morley Lift Bridge Closures (PA 56) – There will be scheduled intermittent closures for several repairs:
    • Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock (Industrial Canal Lock) – (EC001) – April 21st, delays of 35-37 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.
    • Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Daytime closure August 31st, 2023, thru April 30, 2025.
    • Leland Bowman Lock Closure (WC 163) – Daytime closures Monday thru Friday, from 0700-18:30, beginning March 24th thru April 25th for various repairs.