In the mid-1930s, waterway improvements were made on the Illinois River to improve barge movement (for example, new wider and deeper locks at Lockport). These improvements enabled the Illinois River to handle larger barges as well as movement of Tank Landing Ships (LST) constructed by the  Chicago Bridge and Iron Company at Seneca, IL during World War II to New Orleans.
In the mid-1930s, improvements were made on the Illinois River for barge navigation (such as new wider and deeper locks at Lockport). These enhancements allowed the river to carry larger barges and transport Tank Landing Ships (LST) constructed by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company in Seneca, IL during World War II to New Orleans.