NEW YORK STATE CANAL SYSTEM

Opening Schedule Update

April 30, 2008

Mariners are advised that the Erie, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca branches of the NYS Canal System will open for navigation as scheduled at 7 AM on Thursday, May 1st.

The Champlain Canal will remain temporarily closed. Recent heavy rainfall, coupled with increased snowmelt from warm weather, has contributed to high water levels and increased water flow on the Champlain Canal. Once water levels recede the waterway will be prepared for vessel traffic.

Due to ongoing placement of navigation aids on Cross Lake in Oneida County, the Genesee River in Monroe County and Cayuga Lake in Cayuga County, mariners are advised to use caution in these areas.

Hours of Operation

May 1 to May 22 -  7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
May 23 to September 3 -  7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
September 4 to November 15 - 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

For updates and information, mariners are advised to monitor 1-800-4CANAL4 and www.nyscanals.gov. Additionally, mariners may sign up for automatic e-mail and text message alerts through the new Canal TRANSalert service. This service is offered to notify mariners of major incidents and emergencies that may affect navigation on the New York State Canal System. To register for this service, please visit www.nyscanals.gov/tas/.

Carmella R. Mantello Director, New York State Canal Corporation