Warm weather has helped Dubuque water traffic on river

Warm weather has helped Dubuque water traffic on river

DUBUQUE (AP) — Warm weather has benefited barge companies in the Dubuque area as they have been able to efficiently operate in the Mississippi River’s ice-free waters.

Gary Kilburg, assistant lockmaster at Lock and Dam No. 11, says the absence of ice on the river has allowed barge traffic to pass through the lock with greater efficiency than usual.

According to Kilburg, as the ice grows thicker in the winter months, river traffic eventually stops.

“You only have to spend an hour and a half to two hours (this year) making each lock versus six, eight or 10 hours at each lock,” Kilburg said.

The Telegraph Herald reports companies are taking advantage of the opportunity to traffic this year’s high-yielding grain and soybean harvest seasons.