ST. LOUIS – In anticipation of high water, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District closed Mississippi River Locks 24 in Clarksville and 25 in Winfield, as well as the lock on the Kaskaskia River Saturday, April 20, 2013.
The closures are essential to protect critical components and facilities and be able to restore services as quickly and economically as possible after water levels recede.
Locks at Mel Price in Alton and Lock 27 in Granite City are not currently anticipating closures, based on the most recent forecasts from the National Weather Service.
The locks and dams on the Mississippi River and other rivers of the Inland Waterway System are purely navigation structures, designed to maintain the congressionally mandated nine-foot navigation channel.
The Corps is working with partners and stakeholders including the U.S. Coast Guard and the river industry to reduce the risk of damages from flooding.
The Corps’ experienced, multi-disciplinary Emergency Management team is supporting state and local efforts and providing both supplies and expertise.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/floodfight2013
Release no. 13-030