The Neches River Saltwater Barrier is a navigation mitigation project to protect surface water supplies while maintaining free and reasonably unobstructed use of the river by navigational traffic. The saltwater barrier is staffed seven days a week from 6 am to 6 pm. During periods of normal river flow the navigation gates (boat pass) will remain open 24 hours a day. When the barrier is operating in salinity control mode the boat pass will normally be closed and is operated for boat passage from 6 am to 5 pm or as otherwise noted on the operational signage visible from the waterway. Boaters can alert the operator on duty for boat passage by pulling the designated cables near the boat pass gates. For information about the current operational status or questions call (409) 898 0561 ext. 1.