Bridge Heights & Canal Speed Limits

In the tables below, the Normal Water Surface Elevation is the height above sea level at which a canal segment (pool) is typically maintained. The Normal Overhead Clearance is the height between this water surface and the bottom of a structure crossing over the waterway. During high stormwater flows, the pool elevation can be higher, but never higher than the Maximum Water Surface Elevation.

All elevations are in Barge Canal Datum (BCD), which was established prior to the NGVD29 or NAVD88 standards commonly found on other government websites. The current BCD water surface elevation can be obtained by calling the nearest lock and asking for the gage reading of either the upper or lower pool.

View Lock Information.

Canal Speed Limits are established to regulate the speeds of vessels transiting through the New York State Canal System in a way that minimizes wake damage to residential property and canal infrastructure, while ensuring that recreational and commercial boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience on the waterway.

Locks along the Canal System are set up to admit traffic through based on travel times in accordance with established limits, so exceeding the speed limit when traveling from lock to lock will not result in traveling through the Canal System more quickly. Boaters who exceed the speed limit may be subject to fines.

Speed limits established for vessels traveling through the Canal System do not necessarily apply to smaller recreational vessels using the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs which comprise the Canal System, but not traveling through the locks. Operators of these vessels should ensure compliance with all aspects of NYS Navigation Law, and local ordinances and advisories. Observe "No Wake" restrictions, and boat safely and courteously.