By JIM BUTLER

Red River is heading toward its annual mid-summer low stage but commercial traffic is benefitting from emergency work earlier this month.

The river was closed to tugs and barges on July 6 in the wake of diminished river flow that dropped the nine-feet navigation channel depth to 4.6 feet at the Poland lock and dam.

Nothing could move, including barges carrying fuel destined for outlets in many parishes.

On July 6, records show, the river stage at Poland (Lock & Dam 2) was 47.6 feet elevation. Yesterday (Tuesday) it was down to 42.08. A week ago it was 44.2.

Traffic moving despite the falling gauge readings is a result of emergency channel dredging by Luhr Brothers.

The firm, a presence on the river since navigation waterway work began, used its spud barge to remove silt, tons of which the Red moves and deposits daily.

Also called a jack up, the barge fastens anchors (spuds) to hold position in a water body while dredging.

The 36-hour closing refocuses attention on a Corps of Engineers study regarding whether to increase the channel depth to 12 feet, insuring nine feet depth year round.

The Corps announced that study in June 2024. Advocates note the deeper channel would provide economy by allowing more materials per barge per trip. A cost estimate has not yet been released.

Also still under way is pursuit of a Strategic Marine Highway designation for the waterway.

Of particular national interest in that is the U.S. Army’s reliance on the river, through the Central Louisiana Regional Port in Alexandria, for logistical and materials support to and from Fort Polk.

Corps data shows the record high reading at L&D 2 was 71.66 feet in March 2016 and again in May 1990.

The record low – 34.57 feet – was in November 1976, six years before construction was completed.