Notice to Mariners
Canal Opening Update
May 21, 2019
Mariners are advised that the Canal from Sylvan Beach to Lock E-18 in Herkimer will open at 7:00 am on Wednesday, May 22. Lock E-11 in Amsterdam to Lock E-17 in Little Falls will remain closed. Mariners traveling from the west may proceed as far as the City of Little Falls.
Limited draft is available upstream of Lock E-19 in Frankfort at approximately 6 feet. There is reduced channel width at Reels Creek, Utica and Budlong Creek, between Lock E-19 in Frankfort and Lock E-20 in Whitesboro. Supplemental buoys have been placed to identify deeper water.
Mariners are also advised that high water levels along Mohawk River sections of the Erie Canal have reduced the vertical clearance of Bridge E-34A and E-36 to 20.40’, Bridge E-37A to 20.20’, Bridge E-39 to 20.38’ and Bridge E-40 (CSX Railroad Bridge) to 19.87’ which is below the governing 21’ for this section of canal.
We are anticipating opening the remaining section of the Mohawk River between Lock E-11 in Amsterdam and Lock E-17 in Little Falls before the weekend.
The Champlain and Oswego Canal remain closed due to high river levels and dangerous currents.
Features along the eastern portion of the Erie Canal are listed by mileage at http://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/navinfo/navinfo.aspx?waterway=erieeastern
For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.