An equipment failure has prompted the Army Corps of Engineers to close the Great Bridge Lock, but there may be a work-around as reported by the Salty Southeast Cruisers Net:
Here are the “possible” low tide windows that we “may” be able to operate Great Bridge Locks. Wind direction, speed, and tides are huge factors. The locktender will attempt to operate during the following timeframes utilizing only the canal gates. Damage occurred one set of the river gates.
Wed 11-6 – 0300 – 0530 and 1700 – 1900
Thurs 11-7 0400 – 0700 and 1730 – 2000
Fri 11-8 0430 – 0-930 and 1800 – 2200
Sat 11-9 0530 – 1200 and 1830 – 2330
Sun 11-10 0630 1300 and 1900 – 0100
Mon 11-11 0730 – 1400 and 2000 – 0200
Tues 11-12 0845 – 1500 and 2100 – 0300
Wed 11-13 0930 – 1600 and 2200-0400
Thurs 11-14 1030 – 1700 and 2300 – 0430
Fri 11-15 1130 – 1730 and 2330 – 0530
Sat 11-16 1230 – 1830
Sun 11-17 0030 – 0630 and 1300 – 1900
The closure began at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, and was blamed on a bad valve, according to a news release posted on the Army Corps website.
Boaters are being asked to monitor marine radio Channel 13 for updates or to follow social media updates at www.twitter.com/norfolkdistrict or www.facebook.com/NAOonFB.
Boaters can use the Dismal Swamp Canal if their vessel draw less than 6 feet of water.
