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New York Canal System Set to Open For Free

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From the New York State Canal System...

Notice to Mariners

2017 Navigation Season Opening Update

May 16, 2017

Mariners are advised that conditions have improved in the Finger Lakes/Central New York region, allowing the entire Canal System to open as previously scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19. 

Mariners are reminded that, in commemoration of the bicentennial of the start of Erie Canal construction in 1817, there will be no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal System in 2017. 

Due to projected high volume and roving lock personnel, some delays may be experienced Friday, May 19

through Sunday, May 21.

The hours of operation for the 2017 season are as follows:

  • May 19: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm

  • May 20 to October 11: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks and lift bridges will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from May 19 to September 13:

  • Lock C-1, Halfmoon

  • Lock E-7, Niskayuna

  • Lock E-23, Brewerton

  • Lock O-1, Phoenix

  • Lock O-2, Fulton

  • Lock O-3, Fulton

  • Lock E-24, Baldwinsville

  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Fairport

  • Lock E-32, Pittsford

  • Lock E-33, Henrietta

  • Spencerport Lift Bridge

  • Adams Basin Lift Bridge

  • Park Avenue Lift Bridge, Brockport

  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Brockport

  • Holley Lift Bridge

  • Hulberton Lift Bridge

  • Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge, Albion

  • Main Street Lift Bridge, Albion

  • Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge

  • Knowlesville Lift Bridge

  • Medina Lift Bridge

  • Middleport Lift Bridge

  • Gasport Lift Bridge

  • Exchange Street Lift Bridge, Lockport

  • Lock E-34/35, Lockport

  • Lock CS-1, Cayuga

  • Lock CS-2/3, Seneca Falls

  • Lock CS-4, Waterloo

In addition to the structures listed above, Locks E-2 through E-6 and Guard Gate #2 in the Waterford Flight will operate on demand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Thursday through Monday from May 20 to September 13.  During the same period, the hours of operation for the Waterford Flight will be 7:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Due to roving operations, some delays may be experienced during certain periods in the Waterford Flight. 

Vessels are required to arrive at a lock at least 15 minutes prior to closing to ensure being locked through, and at a bridge at least 5 minutes prior to ensure an opening. 

Navigation through some locks on the Canal System may be available prior to 10:00 am on Friday, May 19, operations permitting, but will not be available in the Waterford Flight until after 10:00 a.m.  Mariners are encouraged to call ahead to check the status of the lock - http://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/boating/locks.aspx

For updates and information, please visit Canals.NY.gov or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. 

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