The opening of the Erie Canal for its bicentennial year will be different than expected, with heavy rainfall causing a delayed start for much of the NYS Canal System. Instead of opening all at once, the NYS Canal System will open in phases, with the Erie Canal from Lock E-28A in Lyons through Locks E-34/35 in Lockport opening on Friday, May 16.
Significant rainfall has created high flows and unsafe conditions along the Eastern and Central Erie Canal, Champlain Canal, and Oswego Canal. Those sections will open once movable dams are able to be set and navigation is safe for boating.
Boaters should be aware of floating debris generated by recent heavy rainfall and proceed with caution, at a “No Wake” speed, as some debris may be hard to see. Some buoys may be off station and are being relocated by Canal forces.
Upon opening, all locks and lift bridges will operate from 8 am until 6 pm daily with some locks and lift bridges operating until 9 pm.
There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year.
As part of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial commemoration the Canal system will remain open for both recreational and commercial vessels until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6 pm.
Sign up for the NYS Canal Corporation’s Notices and Alerts to hear the latest news about openings and conditions.
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