ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces the auxiliary lock at Locks and Dam 14 in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, will remain closed during the 2026 summer season. Recreational boaters will have access to the main lock chamber to navigate between pools.
The auxiliary lock at Locks and Dam 15 in Rock Island, Illinois, will remain open for river traffic, however it will not have dedicated staffing on summer weekends. Recreational boaters should expect delays when attempting lockage at the same time as commercial vessels in the main chamber. These actions are necessary due to a shortage of available lock staff.
Historically, the Rock Island District has operated auxiliary lock chambers at Locks and Dam 14 and 15 on weekends, Friday through Sunday, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Staffing for the auxiliary locks for high-use days, such as July 4 and Tugfest, is being evaluated and will be communicated via social media as those dates approach.
All boaters are asked to use caution when approaching or departing lock chambers, and all recreational users on or near the water are reminded to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
Release no. 26-011