Observation decks, fishing platforms at locks and dams on the Mississippi River closed to public until further notice – TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Tuesday that it would be closing all public fishing platforms and observation decks at the locks and dams on the Mississippi River within the St. Paul District to protect against the further spread of COVID-19.

The St. Paul District operates 13 locks and dams beginning at Upper St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis and ending at Lock and Dam 10 in Guttenberg, Iowa. This includes Lock and Dam 1, also called the Ford Dam located downstream of Ford Parkway Bridge in St. Pauls Highland Park, and Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings.

The observation decks are a popular place for people to watch boats pass through the lock and dam process.

Over the past week, weve observed that even after being told over and over, people are not maintaining social distancing, said George Stringham, spokesman for the St. Paul District. Were seeing a lot of this in the fishing communities as well.

People can still fish and watch the boats from shore, but for now, cannot congregate on the platforms. The District previously closed visitor centers, campgrounds and field offices to the public amid the same concerns.

The safety and health of our visitors and employees is our top priority, Stringham said.

The Corps operates the locks and dams on the Mississippi River for navigation, not flood control. The locks and dams create slack-water pools for navigation during periods of low- and moderate-level water.

For up-to-date information on modifications, closures or other restrictions related to St. Paul District areas visit http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil.

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Observation decks, fishing platforms at locks and dams on the Mississippi River closed to public until further notice - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press