The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that much of the
524-mile Canal system will open for through navigation of the locks by
July 4, 2020 as maintenance and construction projects are set to resume
on a regional basis under the “NY Forward Reopening” plan.
Canal
Corporation crews and contractors will mobilize to work sites in the
Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Central NY, Finger Lakes, and Western NY
regions as those areas reopen. Maintenance work that needs to
be completed at specific Canal facilities varies by location and locks
along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals will open
for passage in a staggered fashion. Announcements regarding specific
lock or regional openings will be communicated through the Canal
Corporation’s “Notice to Mariners” notification program available at www.canals.ny.gov.
OPENING SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)
Capital Region – “NY Forward Reopening” Date TBD
Erie Canal from Lock E-2 in Waterford to Lock E-9 in Rotterdam
Champlain Canal from Lock C-1 in Waterford to Lock C-12 in Whitehall
Mohawk Valley Region – Locks opening in phases, targeted for between July 4th & August 10th
Erie Canal Lock E-10 in Cranesville through Sylvan Beach at Oneida Lake
Central NY Region – Locks targeted for opening by July 4th
Erie Canal from Oneida Lake to Lock E-25 in May’s Point
Oswego Canal – except Lock O-7 in Oswego
Finger Lakes Region – Locks targeted for opening by July 4th
Erie Canal from Lock E-25 in May’s Point to Locks E-34/35 in Lockport – except Lock E-26 in Clyde
Cayuga – Seneca Canal – except Locks CS-2/3 in Seneca Falls
Western NY Region – “NY Forward Reopening” Date TBD
Erie Canal Locks E-34/35 in Lockport through Tonawanda
As maintenance and construction work commences, most boaters, paddlers, and anglers can access sections of the Canal system for recreational use today. Mariners are advised that some sections of the Canal system will have reduced water levels until such time as the Canal Corporation completes its projects. In addition, navigation aids are not currently in place, but will be installed on the Canal system as the regions open.
All users of the Canal system and adjacent Empire State Trail are encouraged to practice social distancing while using boat launches, trails and other public resources.
The Canal Corporation appreciates the public’s patience during this time and urges all users to register to receive updates through the “Notice to Mariners” notification program at www.canals.ny.gov.
