Here is an update on the status of the maintenance closure per the 8th District Notice to Mariners. The auxiliary chamber will remain closed to navigation until September 23, 2006. Originally it was scheduled to reopen September 17th. Beginning on September 26, 2006 and continuing until approximately November 11th, the MAIN chamber will be closed for intermittent repairs. Currently it is estimated that there will be 4 closures during this time period, each lasting approximately 7 days each. The chamber will be open for a maximum of 7 days between closures to reduce the vessel que. For "loopers" it probably means continued delays, but improved versus the current situation. Also, very swift and unpredictable currents have been reported in the vicinity of Lock 52 so exercise caution. Ted Stehle Cruising & News Editor Waterway Guide www.waterwayguide.com tstehle@waterwayguide.com