Wilson Lock Alters Recreational Vessel Locking Procedures

Beginning May 1, recreational vessels navigating the Tennessee River through Wilson Lock will only have passage three times during daylight hours until September 5.

Following the conclusion of the dewatering inspection at Wilson Lock, the Corps of Engineers put new lockage procedures into effect.

The first recreational locakage will be May 1 immediately following the completion of the last upbound lockage or between the hours of 7 and 8 a.m. The second recreational lockage will occur between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. The final lockage will occur immediately after the last downbound lockage occurring during daylight hours, according to the Nashville Engineer District.

The district encouraged recreational vessel crews to monitor channel 16 on their marine radios for specific times.

“About 30 minutes prior, we will announce an upcoming break where recreational vessels will have about 30-45 minutes to pass through the lock,” said Clay Askew, Wilson lockmaster. 

Recreational vessels will not have the ability to lock through Wilson outside of the given time frame unless otherwise announced by the lockmaster.

Notices of the new procedures are posted at neighboring marinas and fuel stations. Boaters may also call Wilson Lock for approximate lock times.