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[Duluth, MN] – The City of Duluth is reminding all boaters about the water current notification system that indicates the flow of currents in the Duluth harbor and out on Lake Superior in or near the canal. The red, amber, and green lights are located on the north tower of the Aerial Lift Bridge on both the lake side and the harbor side of the Bridge. The Army Corps of Engineers has sensors in the water on both the north and south pier that monitor the currents.  The Bridge when fully lowered only has 15 feet of clearance to the water.

 

Boaters are urged to pay attention to the light signals to maneuver safely when approaching the Aerial Lift Bridge from any direction. The City wants to ensure enjoyable and safe boating for all users.  

 

Meaning of the light signals:

 

When the red light is lit, the current is inbound from the lake at ¾ to 1 ½ knots, meaning that water vessels in the harbor will encounter currents pushing them further into the harbor and away from the bridge. Vessels in the canal on the lake side will encounter currents pushing towards the Bridge.

 

An amber light means the current is neutral moving at ¾ to 1 ½ knot and not going in either direction.

 

A green light indicates the current is outbound to the lake at ¾ to 1 ½ knot so vessels in the harbor could be pushed toward the Bridge and for those in the canal on the lake side; the currents will flow away from the bridge out towards the Lake. 

 

If either the red or green lights are flashing, that means the current is flowing in or out at a speed over 1½ knots and extra caution is needed to avoid a hazardous situation.

 

                                                                                          

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