Army Corps agrees to operate Willamette locks to allow stranded vessels to transit

(PORTLAND, Ore.) — The Army Corps of Engineers agreed to operate the Willamette Falls locks to allow a transit of vessels stranded by the year-long closure, the Oregonian newspaper reported. Two dredges, three tugboats and four barges were stuck above the falls after the Army Corps closed the locks in December 2011 due to safety concerns over rust and corrosion. On Tuesday, the vessels plus the Canby Ferry were allowed to transit the locks unmanned.

Click here to view the newspaper's story and a photo gallery.

By Professional Mariner Staff