According to the latest USDA Grain Transportation Report, widespread flooding on the inland waterways continues to disrupt grain barge shipments.
As of March 28, the following Upper Mississippi River Locks are closed: 16-18 and 20-22. In addition, Mississippi River traffic is stopped between Locks 22 and 24 due to highwater preventing barge passage under a bridge near Louisiana, MO.
Mississippi River traffic is restricted to daylight hours through St. Louis, MO, Memphis, TN, Vicksburg, MS, and Baton Rouge, LA. While some locks may reopen by early April, the National Weather Service indicates the Mississippi River will likely remain above flood stage into May.
Peak flows are expected to occur from mid to late April. As of March 23, year-to-date grain traffic on the locking portions of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas rivers is 5.5 million tons, 16% lower than the same period last year.
