Louisville, KY –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District has scheduled a closure of the 600 ft. auxiliary lock chamber at John T. Myers Locks and Dam, Mt. Vernon, IN.  The auxiliary chamber will be closed from July 12, 2009 through Aug. 25, 2009.
During this period, the repair crew will be de-watering the auxiliary lock chamber to facilitate the rehabilitation of the upper and lower miter gates. During the closure of the auxiliary lock chamber, all commercial and recreational vessels will be passed through the main 1,200 ft. lock chamber.

This auxiliary lock chamber closure will be immediately followed with a closure of the main 1,200 ft. lock chamber until September 9, 2009 for inspection and repairs. During the closure of the main lock chamber, all commercial and recreational vessels will be passed through the 600 ft. auxiliary lock chamber.

Lockage of commercial vessels will take precedence over recreational vessels.  One upbound and one downbound lockage of recreational vessels will be made after the complete lockage of three commercial vessels.  Commercial vessel traffic is expected to be heavy in the vicinity of the lock.  Recreational vessels can expect lengthy delays during this closure of the auxiliary lock chamber.  Recreational vessels must contact the lock by pulling the pull chain, by contacting the lock on marine channel 13, or by cellular phone at (812) 838-5836 for lockage instructions and information.  Recreational vessels are urged to utilize available public boat launching ramps in the area of their planned activities in order to avoid lockage and to reduce congestion around the lock.