Chesapeake and Delaware Canal - Future of The Canal

Future of The Canal

The canal is vital to the ports of the Delaware River, Baltimore, and others along the northern Atlantic trade routes. Millions of tons of cargo are transported through it annually by container and other bulk-carrying and general cargo vessels.

A corps feasibility study to investigate improvements for the canal and the Baltimore connecting navigation channels of Tolchester, Brewerton Eastern Extension, and Swan Point was completed in December 1996 with the signing of the chief of engineers' report. The study, co-sponsored by the Maryland Department of Transportation, investigated deepening of the channel to 40 feet (12 m) from its current 35 foot (11 m) depth (allowing Panamax-class vessels), plus additional navigation improvements and environmental initiatives. (NOTE: On January 22, 2001, the Philadelphia District announced that this study was being suspended based on downturns in Port of Baltimore container ship traffic.)

Through the efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, all aspects of canal improvements recommended at the conclusion of the study were analyzed for environmental, cultural, economic, and engineering concerns. The chief's report concluded the plan was sound from an engineering aspect, but certain economic and environmental concerns needed to be resolved before the design of a project could be initiated.

These issues are being addressed as the project continues through the three-year preconstruction engineering and design phase, which is being cost-shared with the Maryland Port Administration. Technical research, supplemented by extensive public involvement, will provide a strong foundation for decision making in any further improvements to it. Such efforts reflect the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' commitment to enabling the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to continue its leading role in serving the nation's North Atlantic ports.