Canal Corporation

 NOTICE TO MARINERS – 2020 CANAL SEASON OPENING SCHEDULE

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that much of the 524-mile Canal system will open for through navigation of the locks by July 4, 2020 as maintenance and construction projects are set to resume on a regional basis under the “NY Forward Reopening” plan.

Canal Corporation crews and contractors will mobilize to work sites in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Central NY, Finger Lakes, and Western NY regions as those areas reopen. Maintenance work that needs to be completed at specific Canal facilities varies by location and locks along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals will open for passage in a staggered fashion. Announcements regarding specific lock or regional openings will be communicated through the Canal Corporation’s “Notice to Mariners” notification program available at www.canals.ny.gov.

OPENING SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)

Capital Region – “NY Forward Reopening” Date TBD

• Erie Canal from Lock E-2 in Waterford to Lock E-9 in Rotterdam

• Champlain Canal from Lock C-1 in Waterford to Lock C-12 in Whitehall

  Mohawk Valley Region – Locks opening in phases, targeted for between July 4^th & August 10^th

• Erie Canal Lock E-10 in Cranesville through Sylvan Beach at Oneida Lake

  Central NY Region – Locks targeted for opening by July 4^th

• Erie Canal from Oneida Lake to Lock E-25 in May’s Point

• Oswego Canal – except Lock O-7 in Oswego

  Finger Lakes Region – Locks targeted for opening by July 4^th

• Erie Canal from Lock E-25 in May’s Point to Locks E-34/35 in Lockport – except Lock E-26 in Clyde

• Cayuga – Seneca Canal – except Locks CS-2/3 in Seneca Falls

  Western NY Region – “NY Forward Reopening” Date TBD

• Erie Canal Locks E-34/35 in Lockport through Tonawanda

  As maintenance and construction work commences, most boaters, paddlers, and anglers can access sections of the Canal system for recreational use today. Mariners are advised that some sections of the Canal system will have reduced water levels until such time as the Canal Corporation completes its projects. In addition, navigation aids are not currently in place, but will be installed on the Canal system as the regions open.

  All users of the Canal system and adjacent Empire State Trail are encouraged to practice social distancing while using boat launches, trails and other public resources.

  The Canal Corporation appreciates the public’s patience during this time and urges all users to register to receive updates through the “Notice to Mariners” notification program

  at www.canals.ny.gov.

           For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter