NY Canal System Moves Up Opening Day Of Boating Season

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The New York State Canal System is opening four days earlier than originally scheduled.

The Canal Corporation says the waterway will open at 7 a.m. on Wednesday instead of on May 1.

The 524-mile system connects the Hudson River with Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake and Lake Erie via the Niagara River.

It includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals.

Hours of operation through May 25 and after Sept. 8 will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., although many locks and lift bridges will operate on demand from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Service is available around the clock for commercial vessels. Operators should call at least 24 hours in advance.