Coast Guard Restricts Traffic on Upper Mississippi River

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of St. Louis has restricted traffic on the Mississippi River in response to high water, Monday.

The upper Mississippi River is closed to all traffic from mile marker 179 to mile marker 184 near the St. Louis Harbor. Fleet vessels are permitted to operate in the zone to ensure the safety and integrity of their fleets.

The Coast Guard encourages mariners to ensure that moored vessels and barges are adequately secured with the anticipation of increased current and high water. Debris may be an increased hazard to navigation and may drag buoys off station.

The USCG advises that mariners exercise caution when dislodging debris from fleeting areas and communicate the same to downstream fleets. Southbound operations are not recommended unless a vessel is 75 feet or more in length and has a minimum of 1,800 horsepower.

All mariners are also advised to exercise caution when in close proximity to railways when navigating toward the river bank. The increased level of caution is to ensure the safety of railway systems near the river’s edge.

All concerned mariners may contact Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River at 314-269-2332 or the Coast Guard on VHF-FM radio channel 16.

www.uscg.mil