During late January, milder winter conditions have improved navigation conditions on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. However, some navigational aids on the Illinois River have been moved or are missing due to the rapid formation and disappearance of ice acculumations.
For the week ending January 27, downbound grain shipments at Mississippi River Locks 27 were 180 thousand tons, 217% higher than the previous week.
However, with the improved conditions, rock pinnacle removal between St. Louis and Cairo, IL, has resumed and is slowing traffic due to the complete closure of the river at that location. The removal is being done during daylight hours, and traffic is only allowed at night during non-work hours.
