Black Rock Lock Operations. -The Black Rock Lock hours and dates for the 2013 navigation season are as follows:
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2 January-10 February 2013
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8:00am- 4:00pm Monday- Friday
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11 February- 01 March
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Closed for Maintenance
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2 March -20 April 2013
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8:00am- 4:00pm Monday -Friday
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21 April-18 May 2013
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8:00am- 4:00pm 7 Days a week
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19 May- 21 September ( Extended Hours)
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7:00am -11:OOpm Monday- Friday
11:OOam - 11:OOpm Saturday & Sunday
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22 September- 2 November 2013
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8:00am- 4:00pm 7 Days a week
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3 November- 31 December 2013
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8:00am- 4:00pm Monday- Friday
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Closed the following Federal Holidays, 11 November, 28 November, 25 December. Commercial traffic will be accommodated on a 24-hour basis with prior notification.
Questions on lock operations may be directed to the Black Rock Lock during scheduled operating hours by calling (716) 879-4403 or to the New York/Pennsylvania Operations and Maintenance Office between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 4:30p.m. at (716) 879-4293, Fax (716) 879-4356. The Lock may also be contacted on marine radio channell6 (working Channell2).
Tug and Barge Operators are reminded that Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are required for all Barge personnel during the approach and while transiting the Lock and are recommended for all vessel crew members and passengers.
The Black Rock Lock Channel extends from Buffalo Harbor to the Black Rock Lock. It is tln·ee and one-half miles in length. The Federal navigation channel has a minimum width of 200 feet. Pleasure crafts are required to yield the right-of-way to commercial vessels due to the confined waters of the channel.
The Black Rock Lock and the Black Rock Channel provide safe passage for vessels to travel between Buffalo Harbor and Tonawanda Harbor around the reefs, rapids and fast currents that exist in the upstream portion of the Niagara River.
In combination with the New York Erie Canal, Black Rock Lock and Black Rock Channel provide an inland water route between Lake Erie and the Atlantic Ocean. Branch canals in the New York State canal system provide vessels access to Lake Erie and Lake Champlain.
Charts: 14832 -Upper Niagara River, New York
14833- Buffalo Harbor, New York
Edward F. Gawarecki
Chief, NY/PA O&M Office
Release no. 13-005