Towboats and barges are a real safety concern for paddlers on this race. They are huge, have the right of way, often can't see you and can't turn or slow down very quickly. Behind those intimidating boats are real smart, safety-conscious and thoughtful humans that love the river - and often have a great sense of humor. We are in communication with all of the companies and they have always been open and helpful.

Below I will have a list of the barges I'm aware of so far that we can expect to see on the river this week. Things can and do change. There's no reason for any paddler to keep track of this info, but if ground crews could save a copy they could give you a heads up you'll likely see a barge on the next stretch.

We are only aware of 3 potential longhaul frieght barges so far. All three have said they will be tying up at night, which is the best news for us. One of those, the White Wing, is headed to Kansas City in hopes of heading downstream before the race. If that doesn't happen, they will likely wait for the race pack to spread out before heading downstream. The other, the Far West, expects to be behind the race headed downstream, but we'll keep you all posted on that. In addition, there are one possibly two asphalt oil barges headed up to Kansas City and back.

Most of what you will see are work, sand or rock barges. Most of the work barges will be tied up or working on bridges - or moving equipment relatively short distances. Sand flats will be moving back and forth from a dredge to a sand plant loading facility, generally 15 miles at the most. Rock barges will be likely be moving from a loading facility to a location where they are repairing wing dikes or revetment.
Here's the list of work/sand/rock barges I am aware of this week. There's no reason for any paddler to keep track of this info. But if ground crews or volunteers have a copy they can give paddlers a heads-up that they will likely see a barge on an upcoming stretch.

MM 368 – One Fleet barge working between KC Port and Sugar Creek. Plans on ceasing operations during race. Missouri River Towing.

MM 367 – Work barge working on Buck O’Neill Bridge. Plans on ceasing operations during race and moving equipment afterwards. MASSMAN CONSTRUCTION

MM 357-347.6. Towboat is working between dredge at 347.6 and sand plant at 357 but they plan on delaying until race passes. Holliday Sand Co.

MM326 – Dredge above Lexington Ramp. Towboat moving between 317-326. Plans to stop on Tuesday. – Capital Sand Company

MM293 on the right. There is a barge tied up just below the downstream Waverly ramp. You need to paddle out onto channel to make sure you go around this.

MM225 – 219 On Wednesday moving crane barge from 225 to 219 left bank.

MM 184.5 right bank below Rocheport Bridge – on Thursday towboats will be moving up to 219. 

MM147 – Kathryn Ann working between dredge and nearby sandplant. Hermann Sand & Gravel

MM144 – Work Barge tied to Jefferson City Bridge Pier.

MM138 – Marge 1 working with dredge between 143 and 138. Daylight only. Capital Sand Co.

MM138-124 – Two barges hauling rock between these points.

MM65 right bank – Terry Bangert working with dredge. Sandplant is very close. Gateway Dredging Co.

Be safe and aware out there!