USA: Jim Woodruff Lock Closed for Repairs

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District announces the Jim Woodruff Lock – located on the Apalachicola River in Chattahoochee, Fla. – is currently closed to all vessels as repairs are underway at the lock, but exceptions are being made to accommodate commercial vessels.

Mechanical problems caused the lock gates to become inoperable and repairs began on April 6 to replace one of the hydraulic cylinders that opens and closes the lower lock gates. The lock is expected to remain closed until the middle of June. A public announcement will be made once a reopening date is confirmed. The closure will impact the movement of boat traffic on the lower Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River system, but the two locks further upstream on the Chattahoochee River – Walter F. George and George W. Andrews – are not affected by this action.

“Noncommercial users should make arrangements to adjust their navigational and recreational plans until the lock is reopened,” Lance Davis, a public affairs specialist for USACE Mobile District said.

USACE, June 5, 2014; Image: Wikimedia