Book Description

The inland waterways system of the United States as it exists today has a number of problems associated with near-capacity traffic conditions. In many places on the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri Rivers and their navigable tributaries, there are serious impediments to the free flow of waterborne commerce. This study was conducted to determine the potential for more efficient utilization of existing inland waterways resources and facilities as a possible alternative to heavy investment in major construction. The study was based on distribution of a questionnaire, meetings and discussions with the Civil Works Task Group for Inland Waterways Systems Analysis, and visits to Corps of Engineers Civil Works offices and river sites by the author. The inland waterways system is an intimate interweaving of three significant subsystems: the physical waterway, the towing industry, and commodities. These subsystems and their interrelations are discussed in detail herein. It was determined that there are a number of areas of potential for improvement in the inland waterways system. These areas involve such items as changes in operating procedures of the locks, revisions of the operating rules for towboats approaching and using locks, staffing considerations, additional assistance at heavily trafficked locks, and other such factors.