The New York State Canal Corporation announced on May 15 that much of the 524-mile canal system will open for through navigation of the locks by July 4, 2020 as maintenance and construction projects are set to resume on a regional basis under the “NY Forward Reopening” plan.
Canal Corporation crews and contractors will mobilize to work sites in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Central NY, Finger Lakes, and Western NY regions as those areas reopen. Maintenance work that needs to be completed at specific canal facilities varies by location and locks along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals will open for passage in a staggered fashion.
As maintenance and construction work commences, most boaters, paddlers, and anglers can now access sections of the canal system for recreational use. Mariners are advised that some sections of the canal system will have reduced water levels until such time as the Canal Corporation completes its projects. In addition, navigation aids are not currently in place but will be installed on the canal system as the regions open.
All users of the canal system and adjacent Empire State Trail are encouraged to practice social distancing while using boat launches, trails, and other public resources.
Announcements regarding specific lock or regional openings will be communicated through the Canal Corporation’s “Notice to Mariners” notification program available at www.canals.ny.gov.
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