American Currents

ACBL’s Daily River Conditions

Lower Miss Rising River Conditions – Due to the forecasted river staged and current operating conditions, ACBL has implemented tow-size restrictions varying across horsepower class. This reduction is expected to delay transit by 48-to-72 hours.

2025 Planned Illinois River Lock Port Closure – The closure of the Lockport Lock, River Mile 291, starting January 14th, 2025, through March 11th, 2025. The purpose of this closure is for the installation of the new Vertical Lift Gates, and sill & seal modifications and repairs. This closure will inhibit the ability to move barges from the Illinois to Chicago and Chicago to Illinois.

McAlpine (OR606): Land chamber closed for maintenance April 22^nd through May 3^rd. April 25^th 07:00 Currently the lock has passed 7 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 0.13 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 1 tow waiting that has averaged 7.00 hours of delay. Since April 22^nd we have passed 39 tows that have averaged 0.55 hours of delay.

Tell City / Hawesville Delays (OR 729) – There are no local port service providers in the areas of Hawesville and Tell City causing delays for local docks receiving barges.

Willow Island Lock Closure (OR 161) – As of April 15th through May 15th the main chamber will be closed for scheduled maintenance. The auxiliary chamber will be available for lockage until maintenance is complete. Currently the lock has Passed 10 tows in the last 24 hours that averaged 71.25 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 29 tows that have averaged 33.98 hours of delay. Since April 16^th we have passed 81 tows that have averaged 43.08 hours of delay.

Van Buren Bridge Closure (AK 300) – Work has been rescheduled again to start on August 16th and will last approximately 18 days. Traffic is expected to be cleared after the ninth day. Vessels will also be allowed to transit when the span is clear of equipment.

Port Allen Emergency Closure (PA 63) – As of 03/28 P.M. there has been an emergency closure for repairs that are expected to last until April 28th.

LA HWY 1 Bridge Closure (PA 63) – There are three closures planned on April 22nd, 24th, and 26th respectively from 19:00 to 07:00 to support repairs.

Bayou Sorrel Lock Closure (PA 37) – Daily closures Monday through Friday resumed June 26th, 2023, through October 30th, 2024, to facilitate guide wall repairs from 07:00 to 16:00.

Industrial Lock Closure (EC 0.0) – There was an additional closure the morning of April 14th that lasted until noon on April 15th. Currently the lock has passed 15 tows in the last 24 hours that averaged 69.02 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 45 tows that have averaged 38.91 hours of delay. Since March 29^th we have passed 269 tows that have averaged 98.25 hours of delay.

Algiers Lock Delays (AC 0.0) – Due to the repairs in Port Allen, there are significant delays to transit at Algiers. Currently the lock has Passed 14 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 64.94 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 58 tows waiting that have averaged 33.52 hours of delay. Since March 29^th we have passed 559 tows that have averaged 30.00 hours of delay.

Bayou Boeuf Closure (WC 94) – Due to the emergency repairs at Port Allen, this closure has been postponed until further notice.

Brazos Lock Closure (WC 401) – Daytime closure started August 31st, 2023, and the completion of the work is unknown at this time. The daily closures from 07:00 to 19:00 to facilitate repairs are ongoing. Currently the lock has Passed 20 tows, in the last 24 hours, that averaged 6.10 hours of delay. LPMS is showing 1 tow waiting that has averaged 26.45 hours of delay.
Since August 30^th we have passed 5,123 tows that have averaged 5.40 hours of delay.

Demopolis Lock Closure (WT 213) – Closed to traffic for emergency repairs starting January 16th. Repairs are expected to complete by the end of May.
- Barge loadings below the closure to go north, or above the closure where the empty is typically sourced below, should be addressed with your salesperson as to cancelation, make up, or alternative plans. Barge loadings that are serviced from unloads above will continue. However, we are experiencing delays getting empties positioned and loads picked up, and delays up to two weeks are possible.

Norfolk Southern Bridge Outage (WT 267) – There was an unexpected outage due to issues occurring during a planned maintenance period on March 28th. Repairs began April 4th with openings to traffic from 09:00 to 11:00 and 16:30 to 18:30.

Legend