Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: June 19, 2008
Contact:  CWO3 Brandon Brewer
(314) 269-2602 / (252) 267-4811

Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Restrictions for Mississippi, Illinois Rivers

ST. LOUIS - The Coast Guard is monitoring river conditions and has implemented safety restrictions for all vessel traffic on portions of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers affected by flooding in the region.

Coast Guard personnel here established a Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) to address flood-related vessel traffic recovery issues on the Western Rivers. The MTSRU is working closely with partners from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and leaders in the commercial maritime industry to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of marine traffic in flood-affected areas.

Current closures and safety restrictions include:

• The St. Louis Harbor is open to commercial vessel traffic.  All commercial mariners should monitor river stages to maintain proper bridge clearances and ensure safe navigation.

• Approximately 388 miles of the Mississippi River is closed to all recreational vessels from mile marker 556.7 to mile marker 168.7 -- between Lock and Dam 12, near Clinton, Iowa, to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge, just south of St. Louis.

• The Illinois River is closed to all recreational vessels from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 24.0 -- between Grafton, Ill., and south of Michael, Ill.

• The St. Louis Harbor and Mississippi River is open to commercial traffic between closed locks and dams, with the following restrictions:

  •  Towing vessels should have a minimum of 250 horsepower for each loaded barge.

  • All commercial vessels should proceed at the slowest safe operating speed, based on prevailing conditions, to minimize wake.

  • Towboats are prohibited from laying up on levees.

The Coast Guard MTSRU continues to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and industry to modify restrictions as flood conditions change.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790