Illinois River reopen for barge transportation
Written by Marine Log Staff
Late last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the scheduled rehabilitation work on five of the eight locks and dams along the Illinois River has been completed.
The Illinois River is therefore back to being operational for barge transportation of soybeans, grain, and other products and commodities.
“It is very good news to have such a key component of the soybean and agricultural supply chain back open,” says the Soy Transportation Coalition. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 73 million bushels (over 2 million metric tons) of U.S. soybeans were exported last week alone. Given the significant volume of soybean and grain exports, it is essential to have each link in the supply chain operating without impediment or complication.
A summary of the work and completion dates are below:
LaGrange Lock and Dam – Major Rehabilitation and Lock Machinery Replacement
Full closure scheduled from July 1 through September 30 – Opened to navigation on October 13th
Peoria Lock and Dam – Dewatering for maintenance and inspection
Full closure scheduled from July 6 through September 30 – Opened to navigation on September 30
Starved Rock Lock and Dam – Upper and Lower Miter Gate Installation
Full closure scheduled from July 1 through October 29 – Opened to navigation on October 29
Marseilles Lock and Dam – Upper Miter Gate Installation
Full closure scheduled from July 6th through October 29 – Opened to navigation on October 29
Dresden Island Lock and Dam – Upper Bulkhead Recess Installation
Partial closure scheduled from July 6 through October 3 and from October 25th through October 28
Full closure scheduled from October 4 through October 24 – Opened to navigation on October 29
