ST. LOUIS – Due to 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 Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam on the Kaskaskia River.
Locks 24 and 25 closed Sunday. Costello Lock and Dam was closed June 18. The locks at Mel Price in Alton and the main lock chamber at Locks 27 in Granite City, Illinois are not currently anticipating closures, based on the most recent forecasts.
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.
The locks and dams on the Mississippi River and other rivers of the Inland Waterway System are 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 river industry to reduce the risk of damages from flooding.
The St. Louis District’s experienced, multi-disciplinary Emergency Management team is supporting state and local efforts and providing both supplies and expertise, with Corps flood fight teams working alongside local levee districts.
For more information, visit http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/home/floodfight.aspx
Release no. 15-037