Boats are lining up on both the eastern and western canal entrances to Little Falls until problems with Lock 17 are fixed.
by Dave Warner
According to the New York State Canal Corporation, “Mariners are advised that Erie Canal Lock E-17 in Little Falls is closed to navigation traffic due to an equipment issue until further notice.”
Their website goes on to say that crews have been notified about the issue, and word is that a special crane has been ordered to move to Little Falls from Pennsylvania.
Local experts have stated that there is a problem with the guillotine doors that open to allow water in and that they’re afraid further damage may be caused by continuing to use them until they are repaired.
This will cause a significant bottleneck. Is the crane road mobile or canal mobile? If my memory serves me correctly this is the second highest lift lock in the world second only to a lift lock in Europe!
Not sure which type, but I’ll keep an eye on it. As for the second highest, I believe you are correct!
David, are you in Little Falls? If not have you been back recently?
I live in Little Falls.
We are trying to pass from New York to Chicago, anyone who has local knowledge or status updates, please post regularly! Thanks!
Hi ,my name is Len Seney retired from NYS Canals. The canals posted on their website yesterday May 24th saying boaters can call for updates. Please call Ted Westerling at 518 461 0942 . The website is http://www.canals.NY.gov.
how many days for repairs? heading up Hudson river now…supposed to be on canal by Friday
Have not gotten an update yet…