07-02-08: Coast Guard updates river closures and restrictions

DATE: July 02, 2008 14:21:50 CST

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: July 02, 2008 Contact: CWO Gale Howerton (314) 269-2575
COAST GUARD UPDATES RIVER CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
ST. LOUIS - The Coast Guard has opened St. Louis Harbor, from mile marker 179 to 184 along the Upper Mississippi River, to limited commercial vessel traffic. All commercial tows are limited to daylight transits only and shall not be greater than 900 feet, excluding the towboat. A joint incident command post has been established for St. Louis Harbor to manage vessel traffic and clear the vessel queue. Due to high water, the Upper Mississippi River remains closed to recreational vessels between mile markers 168.7, Jefferson Barracks Bridge, and mile marker 343.2, Lock & Dam 20. The Illinois River remains closed to recreational vessels from mile marker 0 to 24. The Kaskaskia River remains closed to recreational vessels from mile marker 0 to 21. A no wake zone has been established for all commercial vessel traffic operating in the three recreational vessel closure areas and a reduction in speed is required when transiting through mile markers 20 to 22 on the Illinois River. ### *U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790*