Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam to close for maintenance

KASKASKIA RIVER PROJECT Beginning Friday, July 11, 2025 at 6 a.m., through Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 6 p.m. lockages will not be permitted at the Jerry F. Costello Lock & Dam in Modoc, Ill. (4800 Lock and Dam Road) due to maintenance work on the culvert valve hydraulic cylinders. 

According to a news release: “This closure is prep work for more maintenance that will occur later in August when the cylinders that operate the filling/emptying valve operational machinery will be replaced. The new cylinders are water resistant and that will help extend the life of the machinery and allow for a greater window of operation during high water events.”

The announcement continued: “The upstream and downstream boat ramps will not be affected by the closure and will remain available for river access. Contractors currently working on dam gate repairs will have equipment in the upstream parking lot, but the ramp and limited parking will still be available. If the Mississippi River stays above 10 feet at Chester, the lower boat ramp will also remain open. However, if the river falls out or the ramp is inaccessible due to silt the lower ramp will have to be closed.”

For more information contact the Kaskaskia River Project Office at (618) 284-7160 or e-mail us at KaskyL&D@usace.army.mil.