ITCS Memo# 2589 - Illinois River Broadcast

To: RIAC
From: IRCA Chairman
Date: 8/24/07
Subject: Illinois River Broadcast
ITCS Memo # 2589

1. MARINE SAFETY UNIT CHICAGO ISSUES THE FOLLOWING SAFETY
ADVISORY:
A. THERE ARE CURRENTLY LOCKING RESTRICTIONS AT MARSEILLES LOCK AT MM 244.5 AND DRESDEN LOCK AT MM 271. VESSELS APPROACHING THESE LOCKS MUST CONFIGURE LOADED BARGES ON THE GUIDE WALL SIDE OF THE TOW. DOUBLE LOCKING IS PROHIBITED AT THESE LOCKS.
B. THE THOMAS J. OBRIEN LOCK AT MM 327 AND STARVED ROCK LOCK AT MM
231 ARE CLOSED TO NAVIGATION DUE TO HIGH WATER CONDITIONS.
C. ZONE 9 (MILES 200 - 230.9), ZONE 10 (MILES 231-244.6), AND ZONE
11 (MILES 244.7-271.5) ON THE ILR ARE CURRENTLY IN THE HIGH WATER ACTION PHASE OF THE ILR WATERWAYS ACTION PLAN ANNEX.
D. ALL TOWING VESSELS SHOULD PROCEED AT THE SLOWEST SAFE OPERATING SPEED BASED UPON PREVAILING CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE WAKE DAMAGE.
E. DUE TO HIGH RIVER LEVELS, DRIFT OF DEBRIS MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH NAVIGATION, AND IT MAY DRAG BUOYS OFF STATION AND SEVER BUOYS FROM THEIR MOORINGS.
F. ALL MARINERS SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION AND BE ESPECIALLY VIGILANT DURING ALL BRIDGE AND LOCK APPROACHES IN THESE ZONES DUE TO SWIFT CURRENTS.
G. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT MSU CHICAGO AT 630-986-2155.