Questions about Port Canaveral Lock System, off AICW Statute Mile 894
If you are a boater or resident in the area and are familiar with the history of the Port Canaveral Lock system, maybe you could address Travis’ questions. I think we would all like to hear from you.
From the Atlantic, Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. The lock has been closed Monday – Friday from 7AM to 5PM since June of 2015. See /149146.
I would like to know how we could get the locks open to assist the lagoon as well, and what is the reasoning behind the lock system?
Travis Zimmer
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Canaveral Lock
Comments from Cruisers (1)
As I understand it, the purpose of the Port Canaveral lock is to isolate the port from the Lagoon to avoid strong tidal flow through the port and the attendant shoaling and difficulties for large ship maneuvering that come with strong currents. The lack of strong current on the ebb tide in the entrance channel does make the Port one of the safest entrances on the east coast in rough weather (no “stacking” of waves at the entrance).
Opening the locks to improve tidal flushing of the lagoon has been considered and has been modeled by coastal engineers, but would probably compromise the port operations and maintenance.