The Three Gorges South Line Lock will be suspended for maintenance from March 4.

　　Xinhua News Agency, Wuhan, March 4 (Reporter Li Siyuan) With the approval of the Ministry of Transport, the planned suspension and maintenance of the Three Gorges South Line Ship Lock in 2026 officially commenced at 8:00 on March 4. The maintenance period is 45 days, and navigation is scheduled to resume on April 18.

　　During the maintenance of the Three Gorges South Line Ship Lock, the Three Gorges North Line Ship Lock will coordinate with the Gezhouba No. 1 Ship Lock to implement single-line operation with scheduled directional changes. Priority vessels, such as urgent cargo ships, grain transport ships, container ships, demonstration ship types, and trustworthy vessels, will be subject to categorized scheduling.

　　As an important part of the navigation structures of the Three Gorges Project, the Three Gorges double-line five-stage ship lock has operated safely and steadily for nearly 23 years, providing uninterrupted 24-hour navigation throughout the year. Due to some equipment and facilities operating underwater for extended periods, periodic suspension for "check-ups" is necessary. Engineering technicians will conduct comprehensive inspections and repairs on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and other equipment and facilities of the ship lock to enhance reliability and ensure safer and more efficient operations.

　　Since November 2025, the Yangtze River Three Gorges Navigation Administration has overcome unfavorable factors during the Yangtze River's dry season and, under the premise of ensuring smooth navigation, completed non-suspension period construction tasks and pre-inspection and pre-maintenance tasks prior to the maintenance.