Recent rain events in the Midwest have raised Mississippi and Illinois River levels to high water conditions. Parts of the Illinois River are at flood stage resulting in reduced tow sizes and slower transit times.
The Mississippi River at St. Louis is expected to crest at 27.3 feet on April 9. This will exceed the 25 foot trigger reading, which limits down-bound barge traffic through St. Louis to daylight only, reduces tow sizes, and implements minimum horsepower requirements for towboats.
River restrictions are set by the Waterway Action Plan (WAP), a joint effort of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and senior leaders of the towing industry. The overall goal of the WAP is to ensure safety of life and navigation, protection of infrastructure and property, and prevention of marine casualties.
