Traffic on the ICW this Year

[Hudson Force]

When we passed through the Deep Creek Lock on september 18th there was only one other southbound boat. On the morning of Oct. 31st we were among a dozen boats waiting for the 9am opening of the Skidaway Narrows Bridge south of Savannah. We left Baltimore september 1st. crusing at a rate of speed that only averages 11 miles a day. We are not destination bound, but only with expectations to stay south of freezing weather. I expect the peak of the wave is still behind us while we are now in Brunswick, Georgia and just a daylight sail from Florida.

[svpattyd]

Gilmerton bridge was very busy yesterday. Lots of boats going down the ICW.

[SV Liberty]

I wish I were farther south while reading this thread, but Liberty is planning to bring up the rear again by leaving the Annapolis area Saturday morning for an overnight sail to Hampton, then south through the Dismal Swamp after taking in some history in the jamestown area. To not hijack the thread I'll start another, but (in addition to other southbound boats we'll see) I'm interested in whether debris in the bay will make an overnight passage potentially unsafe.

[DWT]

I read awhile back how many boats cruise south then north on the ICW every year, but forgot where I read it.
Anyone have any idea what that number now is, what the number was before the great recession?

[AnchorageGuy]

If you are traveling the ICW in the Norfolk area on November 28th and 29th, you should be aware of this closing...


Chesapeake, VA, ICW Bridge Closure MNN110211
There has been ongoing construction at this bridge and now the latest notice advises us that a closure due to installation of new tracks is planned for later this month. The bridge only has a 7 foot clearance in the down position.

Mariners are advised that the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake VA, will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position to facilitate rail laying work. The following closure periods have been authorized: each day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 28 and 29, 2011. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(d). Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly.

Chuck

[svpattyd]

Lots of debris in the dismal swamp canal. Night travel would not be recommended.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by svpattyd

Lots of debris in the dismal swamp canal. Night travel would not be recommended.

Haven't had any reports of a debris problem from anyone that has used the canal lately. The lock schedules will preclude anyone from traveling at night. 4:30 PM is the latest lock opening. Chuck

[svpattyd]

Maybe they didn't report them, just went around them like we did. No floating debris, more like snags/trees just poking up through the water surface. No duck weed. Very pleasant trip.