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Canal Corporation Reminds Boaters of Dangers on Closed Sections of the Canal System

Boaters Warned to Stay Clear of Closed Areas; Excessive Currents and High-Water Flows Can Cause Dangerous Conditions

For Immediate Release: 07/04/17

ALBANY--Sections of the New York State Canal System remain closed today to all boaters due to high water, excessive current, heavy debris and displaced navigational aids caused by heavy rainfall.

They are:

  • The Erie Canal, from Waterford (Lock 2) to Whitesboro (Lock 20)
  • The Oswego Canal, except local traffic at Lock 8
  • The Champlain Canal from Fort Edward to Waterford

Boaters who have docked at secure facilities should remain safely moored until these sections reopen and not use car-top put-ins or launch ramps in sections of the canal system that are currently closed.

The affected sections of the canal will be reopened by the New York State Canal Corporation when operational safety standards are met and the safety of canal patrons can be ensured.

Re-opening schedules will be posted in Notices to Mariners available at www.canals.ny.gov., on Facebook, and on Twitter.

About the New York State Canal Corporation

New York’s canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique and historic communities. In 2017, New York is celebrating the bicentennial of the start of the Erie Canal’s construction.

Like Canals on Facebook at NYS Canal Corporation.

Follow Canals on Twitter at @NYSCanalCorp

Contact

Steven Gosset
Steven.Gosset@nypa.gov
Media Relations
(914) 390-8192