[EXPIRED] Expect Lock Closures at Ortona Lock, Okeechobee Waterway, Statute Mile 94, 3/19/2016
Note that closures are planned for the hours indicated and may vary as to frequency. To determine if a lock-through is possible during those hours, contact the lock operator on arrival on VHF 13. A call to USACE confirmed that on-demand openings between 7:30-11:30 and 12:30-4:30 are possible only if construction work has stopped at that moment. Your only sure course will be 7:00 -7:30, 11:30-12:30 and after 4:30. At least, DST will assist you early and late.
This long period of construction will certainly affect the spring migration. The project was originally scheduled for December, but had to be delayed due to high water. Just another opportunity to test your patience quotient! Ortona Lock is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 94, just east of unlighted daybeacon #1 and flashing daybeacon #2
NOTICE TO NAVIGATION INTERESTS
US Army Corps of Engineers
Jacksonville District
Date: 3/14/2016
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT
ATTN: CESAJ·OD·SN
PO Box 4970
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232·0019
863·983·8101
NOTICE NUMBER: 006
LOCAL NUMBER: 2016314
WATERWAY: OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY, ORTONA LOCK
EFFECTIVE: 03/16/2016 00:00 thru 07/29/2016 24:00 EST
OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY ORTONA LOCK APPROACH WALL CONSTRUCTION
REVISION 1
REFERENCES:
a. 33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
b. NTN 2015·18 Ortona Lock Approach Wall Construction Closure
1. Notice to Navigation
Notice is given that Ortona lock will have scheduled lock closures 16 March to 29 July 2016 to support east and west lock approach guide wall replacement. During construction barges, cranes, pile driving equipment and divers will be working in the lock entrance requiring operations will be restricted for safety, Vessel operators are advised to use minimal speed and caution operating in the area of barges and floating cranes. Normal Lock hours are 7 AM to 5 PM with planned closures between 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, additional locking hours may be available based on the contractors work. call the Ortona Lock shift operator at 863·675·0616 between 7 AM and 5 PM for current Information.
WILLIAMS.CARL.MA
BRYN.1091240960
Chief Navigation &
Flood Risk Management
South Florida Operation
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Ortono Lock
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Bridge Directory Listing For Ortono Lock
Comments from Cruisers (4)
Passed through the Ortono Lock several days ago. Now the work is not scheduled to start until Monday 04/18/2016!!! (Don’t bet on it)
The “Fire Dog”
We passed through the lock two days ago and were told that the lock will continue to operate on a normal schedule until April 13 when work is expected to begin. At that time, the lock will operate as construction permits Mondays thru Fridays but the lock will be open on a normal schedule Saturdays and Sundays. Further information is available from ACE at 863-983-8101 Monday thru Friday or from the lockmaster (who seems to rarely answer the phone) during normal operating hours at 863-675-0616.
Milt Baker, Bluewater IV
No work being done on the 23rd. Have heard that work is now supposed to start about the 29th and that they hope some traffic can pass thru at times other than the scheduled times. Only way to know is to call.
Went through Ortona on Thursday, March 24. No work being done.
Howard Keys