Repairs At Marseilles Dam Means Boating Restrictions

As of Saturday, recreational boating is off limits around the Marseilles Dam.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to repair the dam that was damaged April 18^th when seven barges slammed into the structure.  The Corps is intentionally lowering the level of the Illinois River at the dam by three feet so they can build a rock dike downstream.  The dike could take up to a week to finish.  When it’s done, the river will be brought up to its regular water level and boating restrictions will be lifted.

Recreational boaters need approval from a port official to be on the river between Seneca and Marseilles.  The lock itself is completely closed to boats.