Accumulated ice is shown at the Willow Island Locks and Dam last week. Locking operations have resumed there, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced. (File photo)

RENO, Ohio – Locking operations have resumed at Willow Island Locks and Dam on the Ohio River.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Huntington District suspended locking operations on Jan. 28 due to mechanical issues with the lock’s bubbler system that resulted in significant ice accumulation between the lock walls and gates, according to a press release from the Corps. Both lock chambers were closed to navigation traffic until the ice accumulation could be removed and lock operations could safely resume.

The Corps is working with the U.S. Coast Guard and the local towing industry to clear the queue, the release said. Eight vessels were locked through Wednesday night with an additional six remaining from the original delay.

The Huntington District is monitoring conditions at its locks and dams and working to keep infrastructure operational to support navigation, the release said. At this time, there are no other delays to lock operations within the District.