ST. LOUIS- The Coast Guard reopened the Upper Mississippi River, from MM 165 to MM 176 at 4:02 p.m., Saturday.
The closure was a result of a 116 barge break away in St. Louis Harbor earlier this morning. The barge fleeting areas and facilities are in consultation with Coast Guard to develop the safe and effective process to restage the fleeting areas, and maintain the navigation of the channel. The determination of the affected barges currently poses no threat to navigation.
While this event closed the River for approximately nine hours, it did not result in any injuries, pollution, or critical infrastructure damage.
“This morning’s response to a dynamic situation in the St. Louis Harbor accentuates the collaborative nature of the Government and industry relationship on our inland waterway," said Capt. Martin Malloy, Sector Commander of the Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River. "Everyone on the river acted quickly and professionally to reestablish a safe waterway for commerce and recreations.”
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to urge mariners to monitor VHF-FM channels 16-22 for any updated information of closure.