From record flooding one year to record-low rivers the next
August 21, 2012
Barge traffic is being slowed on the Missouri River this year because of backups along the Mississippi, which is
55' below last year's peak flood stage, and quite close to the record low level. River barges carry the equivalent of
approximately 70 truckloads of cargo each, so if the rivers are unable to carry the freight, that puts a heavier load on the nation's railroads and highways.