20 Feb 2024

Waterway/Lock Closures

Keep up-to-date with waterway and lock closures around the Great Loop. We'll post them here as we become aware of them.

Waterway/Lock Closure Listings

TENNESSEE-TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY, MISSISSIPPI Jamie L. Whitten Lock, Mile 411.9

Notice is given to mariners that a routine maintenance closure has been scheduled for Jamie L. Whitten Lock. The lock will be closed for 30 days to perform the work. Please note that Tom Bevill Lock will NOT be closed for maintenance this year. The closure schedule is listed below:

Jamie L. Whitten Lock - River Mile 411.9
Closure beginning: 03 September 2025 at 0600
Lock re-opening: 03 October 2025 at 0600

If the lock re-opens prior to the scheduled date, an updated Notice to Mariners will be issued.

W. P. Franklin Lock, Okeechobee Waterway

W.P Franklin Lock is open with a 26 foot width restriction until further notice. For updates, contact the Franklin Lock & Dam at 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908.

Okeechobee Waterway

5/23/25-Notice is given that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is advising commercial and recreational vessels to check lake and canal levels daily when making navigation decisions. USACE is conducting RECOVERY operations, which involve the lowering of Lake Okeechobee to allow for growth of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and for the overall health of the lake. This is causing lake levels to be lower than typical. Additionally, the Corps may hold the upper pool of the C-43 canal, between the Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam (S-77) and Ortona Lock and Dam (S-78) below its optimal level.

You may check lake and route depths at: https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml