ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (April 29) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, out of an abundance of caution is maintaining navigation restrictions at Marseilles, Starved Rock and Dresden Island locks on the Illinois Waterway.
Public safety is the top priority for the Army Corps of Engineers at Marseilles Lock and Dam following the recent barge incident. Although there are no indications of structural concerns that would result in a catastrophic failure of the dam, navigation restrictions will remain in place until further underwater engineering assessments are completed to ensure the safety of the dam.
Effective immediately the following lock restrictions will be in place until further notice: Dresden Island Lock will not lock down-bound traffic; Marseilles Lock will not lock traffic in either direction; and Starved Rock Lock will not lock up-bound traffic.
Exceptions to these lock restrictions are limited to those vessels required to assist with sunken barge or dam recovery efforts at Marseilles Dam. Additional exceptions may be approved by contacting the lock staff; requests will be forwarded to applicable approving officials.
All other Illinois Waterway locks are open to vessel traffic.
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Release no. FY13-04-12