US Army Corps of Engineers - DSC Public Notice

Dismal Swamp Canal Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Restricted Lock Operating Hours
July 16, 2008 - Beginning July 23, 2008 and until further notice, the locks at Deep Creek, Virginia and South Mills, North Carolina, will be operated only at 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, 7 days a week. The drawbridges adjacent to these locations will be operated in coordination with the locks.

The operating hours are being reduced from 4 per day to 2 per day due to limited rainfall, pumping operations to control the Dismal Swamp fire, and subsequent low water levels in Lake Drummond and the Dismal Swamp. This action is being taken in coordination with the Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve the available water supply in the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. The restriction is expected to be temporary until sufficient rain falls in the Lake Drummond watershed to recharge the swamp.

For vessel that are unable to comply with the reduced schedule, the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, through the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, Virginia, will be open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Operators will monitor Channel 13.