Upper Mississippi river may open to barges early

摘要

A fairly mild winter has left less ice on the upper Mississippi river, which may allow barges to enter the area two or three weeks earlier than expected. The opening of Lock and Dam No. 9 near Lynxville, Wisconsin, which will allow barges north, is scheduled for 17 March. But milder weather may allow the US Army Corps of Engineers to reopen the lock sooner than expected. This year, the primary barrier to reopening the lock earlier may be how quickly the corps can finish maintenance and repairs at Lock 9.