[Objective] The navigation capacity of the Chenglingji-Wuhan section (Chengwu section) in the middle reach of the Yangtze River lags behind the economic development along the river. This study aims to analyze the improvement of channel dimensions to fully utilize the efficiency of this “golden waterway” and better support the socio-economic development along the river. [Methods] Based on the variation characteristics of the Chengwu section under new runoff and sediment conditions, this study utilized nearly a decade of runoff and sediment observation data and navigation charts collected after the discharge from the Three Gorges Project stabilized. A comprehensive verification was conducted on the channel conditions under different channel dimensions across the 22 waterways within the river section. The key challenges in dimension improvement were analyzed, and corresponding governance measures were proposed. [Results] The guarantee rates for the channel dimensions of 6.0 m×200 m and 6.0 m×150 m in the Chengwu section showed little difference. Among the 22 waterways, nine failed to meet the year-round verification criteria. The guarantee rate increased as the channel width decreased. Under the channel dimension of 6.0 m×200 m, the Wuqiao waterway had the lowest multi-year average guarantee rate of 77%, while the rates for the remaining waterways all exceeded 86%. Among the nine problematic waterways, four (Jiepai, Jiayu, Baishazhou, and Wuqiao) failed to meet the 6.0 m×200 m channel dimension during the dry seasons in most years, while the remaining waterways failed only in individual years. The total length of shoal areas accumulated to approximately 8.95 km, accounting for 3.92% of the total length of the river section. Overall, the natural conditions were favorable for increasing the channel depth to 6.0 m. The problematic waterways were mainly of the branching-channel type. Among them, the main issue in the Jiepai, Longkou, Jiayu, and Yanwo waterways was insufficient water depth, whereas for the others, it was primarily narrow channel width. The shoal areas were mainly located at the inlets of branching channels and local widening sections. [Conclusion] Guided by the governance thoughts of “integrating regulation and dredging for comprehensive management”, the improvement of channel dimensions can be achieved by implementing regulation projects to appropriately restrict the flow diversion into branching channels, thereby increasing the hydrodynamic force in the main channel. Additionally, the clear water released from upstream reservoirs should be utilized to scour the river channel. Combined with dredging methods and new intelligent navigation guidance technologies, these measures collectively facilitate the improvement of channel dimensions. Specifically, for the Jiepai waterway, channel regulation should be implemented in phases. Dredging should first be applied to the outlet of the left channel while ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the right channel as the main channel. After the left channel becomes navigable, flow-restricting structures can be constructed in the right channel. For the Jiayu waterway, regulating the central bar to increase the flow-split ratio towards the left branch, coupled with the strategy of narrowing the channel to concentrate flow for sediment scouring, can address local navigation obstructions in the left branch. Regarding the Wuqiao waterway, flow-guiding structures should be deployed at the tail of the Baishazhou bar upstream to direct the main flow from the Baishazhou waterway into the left branch around the submerged bar within the Wuqiao waterway. Additionally, training dikes should be built along the submerged bar. Integrating these with dredging and new navigation guidance technologies will improve the navigation conditions in the bridge area and enhance safety. This study is a preliminary exploration. Further in-depth studies may focus on strengthening the validation of engineering plans through model tests.