Notice

05/14/2025 07:33 PM

Notice to Mariners 

Canal System Update: Extended Closure – Erie Canal Between Lock E-16 (St. Johnsville) and Lock E-17 (Little Falls)

May 14, 2025 

 

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that through navigation along the Erie Canal in the Mohawk Valley will be delayed as a direct result of the recent weather-related high-water event that impacted Central and Eastern New York.

As conditions allow for sections of the New York State Canal system to begin operating this season, the Erie Canal between Lock E-16 in St. Johnsville and Lock E-17 in Little Falls will remain closed to navigation until further notice. Canal Corporation employees and contractors are performing critical repairs to Canal infrastructure that sustained damage during the weather event.  

Crews are actively working at two locations just west of Erie Canal Lock E-16. The first location – the Rocky Rift movable dam that regulates the navigation pool in this area – was significantly damaged while being operated to adjust flows during the recent rainstorms. In addition, crews are mitigating a saturated seep along an earthen embankment between the lock and movable dam. Both repairs must be completed to ensure safe navigation – an essential part of maintaining this more than 100-year-old infrastructure in 2025.  

The Canal Corporation anticipates these repairs will be completed in four to five weeks from today’s date.  

The Canal Corporation appreciates the patience of mariners and the public while crews complete the necessary repairs to the movable dam and earthen embankment.

As previously announced, other sections of the Canal system will open in phases as conditions safely permit.

The following sections will open on Friday, May 16, 2025:

• Erie Canal west of Lock E-17 (Little Falls) through Lock E-22 (New London)
• Erie Canal Lock E-28A (Lyons) through Locks E-34/35 (Lockport)

Announcements regarding other openings along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca canals are forthcoming.

Mariners are advised to check the Canal Corporation’s Notice to Mariners for the latest information and to plan their itineraries accordingly as sections of the Canal system open to ensure dock space and amenities are available.

 

For general news, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or follow the Canal Corporation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 

To report an issue or incident along the Canal system, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042.