Erie Canal Closed

[25yearslater]

Just to inform anyone planning to transit the Erie Canal between Lake Erie and the Oswego Canal a collapse of the floor of the canal in Albion, New York has forced the draining of the canal between Medina and Holley. It's dry at this moment.http://www.canals.ny.gov/news/notices/2012/2012-08-01-closure-holley.html

 

[dparilla]

Ouch!

 

[tkanzler]

At least they can use the lake, assuming it's a lake-capable boat. It's not going to be a quick fix, either. :cry:

 

[25yearslater]

Looks like the Welland Canal between Lakes Erie and Ontario is going to be the only route available for those coming or going to the Hudson via the Oswego Canal. It's that or the St. Lawrence until this is fixed. Where are you at in Rochester Tkanzler?

 

[zeehag]

damn i am glad i am sailing a lee shore in hurrycame season...no canals until i hit panama.
i hope is not just left to wallow....good luck folks. is so gorgeous up there, and full of history.

 

[25yearslater]

Worst of it is the Welland may become the choke point with the Mississippi traffic slowed because of low water. This might force the midwestern commodities to be ship loaded and sent down the lakes. I commute through Albion and Medina so I'll see about getting some photos.

 

[geoffschultz]

Any more info on this? I'm just interested in what happened, especially since there isn't a lock in Albion.

-- Geoff

 

[MSN-Travelers]

Open again ...

The what & why -

Officials have identified the cause of a partial collapse of an embankment along the Erie Canal.
The partial collapse happened in Albion, Orleans County.
Canal officials say extensive damage was found in a large culvert pipe under that section of the canal, and that damage led to the embankment collapse. The damage requires a large portion of the pipe to be replaced.
The pipe is 9 feet below the bottom of the canal, and in order to be replaced, the canal in the area will need to be completely drained.
Crews will be working around the clock, seven days a week in order to repair the damage and get the canal reopened.
"Due to the quick response of Canal personnel and our contractor on the night of July 30 we were able to avoid any injury or serious damage to property. Our priority now is to expedite repairs so this vital section of the Erie Canal can be re-watered to serve our boating, agricultural, and hydro-electric power generation stakeholders," says Brian Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation.
A 25-mile stretch of the canal is currently shut down between Middleport, Niagara County and Holley, Orleans County.
Albion was also the site of a large sinkhole near the canal. Officials still haven't said if the sinkhole and the embankment collapse are related.
For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our website www.whec.com.


As of August 16th -

ALBION, N.Y. (WIVB) - There's good news for boaters who want to enjoy the rest of the summer on the Erie Canal.
A stretch of the canal between Albion and Holley has reopened. The 10 mile-section of the waterway was closed and drained for repairs after a sinkhole developed in a road running alongside the canal.
The sinkhole caused a partial collapse of the canal wall. Governor Cuomo promised crews would work around the clock to get the canal reopened.