The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(NEW ORLEANS) — The Coast Guard has established a safety zone closing the Upper Mississippi River between mile marker 722.5 to mile marker 723.5 near Winona, Minn., on Thursday.
The closure is a result of shoaling in the area. The Coast Guard will reopen the channel to traffic after the Army Corps of Engineers dredges and conducts surveys to ensure adequate depths.
“This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of vessels transiting the area,” said Capt. Scott Stoermer, captain of the port, Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River. “The Coast Guard has a strong desire to facilitate commerce and the public will be notified as soon as the safety zone is lifted.”
There are currently six vessels in the northbound queue and five vessels in the southbound queue.
Vessels requesting updates and to be included in the queue can contact Sector Upper Mississippi River at (314) 269-2332.
