Dear Illinois Waterway Stakeholders and Partners,

Two weeks ago, we provided a general update on the status and risks related to the closure schedule, the challenges we are working to overcome, and the status of contract awards.  At the time of that communication, we had awarded three supply contracts for long lead time components and the largest of three construction contracts for Dresden Island Lock Rehabilitation.  On Friday, 23 Sep 2022, we awarded the second of our construction contracts for the Brandon Road Lock Rehabilitation.  Due to the significant increases in costs, we will be unable to award the final construction contract for Marseilles and Starved Rock locks.

We are fully committed to a full 120-day closure in 2023 at Brandon Road, Dresden, and Marseilles. During this closure we will complete all work at Brandon Road and Dresden as well as the electrical crossover work at Marseilles. This plan will allow us to complete all work that requires a full dewatering and closure.

The remaining work at Starved Rock and Marseilles will be deferred to a later date (2+ years) and future planning will be closely coordinated to ensure alignment with industry priorities. This future work will not require an extended closure of the waterway.

USACE remains committed to making decisions that are in the mutual interest of safe and efficient transportation on the Illinois Waterway.

Very Respectfully,
COL Jesse T. Curry
50th Commander of the Rock Island District
US Army Corps of Engineers
jesse.t.curry@usace.army.mil
jesse.t.curry.mil@mail.mil
Office Phone:  (309)794-5224
Cell:  (309)235-6322