PORTLAND, Ore. — The Coast Guard is closely monitoring the impact on vessel traffic Monday, Sept. 9, due to the extended closure of a lock on the Columbia River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers placed the Bonneville Navigation Lock out of service Friday after discovering a mechanical issue. The lock has been drained and inspected, and repairs to damaged concrete are still in progress. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Waterways Management Division contacted local commercial fleets and have reported that 14 commercial vessels will be impacted by the lock closure: Seven from Tide Water Barge; Four from Shaver Transportation; Three from American Cruise Line. “We appreciate the close coordination with Portland Army Corps of Engineers staff as we work together to ensure the safe re-opening of the lock and waterway, given the area’s importance to transportation and commerce,” said Capt. Alan Moore, the commanding officer at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland. The Bonneville Dam is 40-miles east of Portland and is the first in a series of eight dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers, which together make up an artery for goods flowing into and out of the region.
