TULSA, OK – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District will return the operation of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System to 24 hours a day, 7 days per week beginning July 1.
Since October 2012, lock maintenance closures have been conducted for four hours daily at the Webbers Fall, Chouteau and Newt Graham lock and dams during which time no vessels have been locked.
Beginning July 1 maintenance will be on-going while normal operations continue and any maintenance tasks that require closures will be scheduled well in advance which allows shippers time to adjust schedules rather than face expensive no-notice closures stranding barge traffic.
The recreational lock closures remain unchanged from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday excluding federal holidays.
“The navigation system continues to grow and become an even more vital part of the region’s economy,” Col. Michael Teague, Tulsa District commander, said. “The partnership between the Corps and our stakeholders has made it possible for us to increase the maintenance of the system while attempting to reduce impacts to users. “
He also said the lessons learned from the daily closures led to the development of an integrated five year maintenance program for the entire system that allowed returning the system to a 24/7 schedule on the entire system.
“I believe we are on the path to having a model system that is reliable and resilient for future generations,” Teague said.
For information about recreation on Tulsa District waters, visit our website at www.swt.usace.army.mil or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usacetulsa and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usacetulsa.