CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- The Great Bridge Lock on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal will temporarily close to vessel traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 18-20, to facilitate diving and crane operations to reposition one of the lock valve chambers.
The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, Route 1 of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, will be closed to through vessel traffic during this operational time period.
To alleviate vessel traffic congestion, the Great Bridge Lock will reopen during low tide for limited lockings on Nov. 18 and 19, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Vessels wanting to transit the AIWW during this temporary closure may use the Dismal Swamp Canal, Route 2. The controlling depth of the canal is six feet. The DSC locking hours are 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Norfolk District maintains the Great Bridge Lock, which was constructed in 1932.
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is a major inland protected route for commercial traffic, especially barges supplying fuel to the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, Va.
Vessel operators may call 757-201-7642 for information on the Dismal Swamp Canal’s latest project conditions or the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal closure. Lock and bridge operators will monitor Channel 13.
Recreational vessels can continue to use the Deep Creek and South Mills Locks on the Dismal Swamp Canal, which are operational for boats that draft less than six feet.