Downbound grain shipments at Ohio River Locks and Dam 52, for the week ending January 20 (week 3), were 378 thousand tons; 138% higher than the previous week. Water levels on the lower Ohio river have reached sufficient levels as to allow barges to transit the site through the navigable pass of the dam, rather than the time-consuming process of using the lock.
During week 3, ice buildup at Locks 27 on the Mississippi River restricted tow sizes and reduced downbound grain tonnages at that site to 57 thousand tons. This is a 47% decrease from the previous week. Barge traffic in St. Louis (below Locks 27) has been hampered by low water conditions and ice, but warmer temperatures and rain have increased river levels and overall conditions are improving. In addition, the tow restrictions at Locks 27 were lifted on January 20.
The Illinois River is experiencing ice issues but, due to improved weather conditions, grain tonnages were 120 thousand tons for week 3, which is 77% higher than the previous week.
