Notice is given that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is notifying the public, marinas, commercial and recreational vessels traveling the Okeechobee Waterway that Ortona Lock will be closed for maintenance 4 through 16 June 2018. This will be the first lock closure along the Okeechobee Waterway in 6 years; maintenance is necessary to repair aging and damaged infrastructure in addition to improving public and vessel safety. Repairs will require the lock chamber to be dewatered for crews to perform inspections, replace gate seals and repair Manatee Protection system components. During the closure, barges, floating cranes and divers will be working in the lock entrance, requiring vessel operators in the area to use minimal speed and caution for safety.
Public comments and concerns related to this closure will be accepted until 31 March 2018 and can be mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 525 Ridgelawn Rd., Clewiston, FL 33440 Attn: Gary Hipkins or can be emailed to [email protected] (please add “Public Comment on Ortona Lock Closure 2018” in subject line).
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http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
Locks on the Okeechobee Waterway and Canaveral remain in full operation.