Removal of 22 steel-pontoons that form the ice boom across the entrance of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Niagara River began this past Tuesday.

Lou Paonessa, Director of Media Relations for New York Power Authority said it could take a few days or a few weeks to remove all the pontoons. Once that happens, the ice in the Lake Erie can freely flow down the Niagara River and over the falls.

On Wednesday I drove the upper Niagara Parkway and observed more ice flowing down the Niagara River. Once all this ice has left the “shoe” below the falls the tourist vessels that operate below the falls can begin operations for the season. Stay tuned. I’ll keep you informed.