The Corps’ Mississippi Valley New Orleans (MVN) District’s Lock and Waterway Status 60-Day Forecast as issued today (Friday, July 19, 2019) is attached.

 

The status report includes present conditions on the on the Calcasieu, Bayou Boeuf, Old River, Algiers and Freshwater Bayou Locks, the East and West Calumet Floodgates.

 

The Calcasieu Lock will be impacted by intermittent scheduled daylight closures due to Gate Motor Installation, full details are reproduced below:

 

“Ongoing and continuing through 31 August 2019, mariners are advised that Calcasieu Lock will have intermittent delays to navigation between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily, due to work being performed by a U.S. Government Hired Labor Unit on the gates.”

 

The Bayou Boeuf Lock scheduled repairs to the Chamber Guide Wall Replacement remain on hold until high river conditions recede, full details are reproduced below:

 

“The construction on the bayou boeuf lock replacement guidewall has been postponed until further notice. The lock will remain open for passage of navigation traffic until the current high river conditions improve.”

 

The Old River Lock will be impacted by intermittent closures to allow installation of a Tainter Valve:

 

“Commencing on or about 3 July 2019 and continuing through approximately 31 July 2019, Old River Lock will be closed to navigation intermittently for up to 12.5 hours between 6 am and 630 pm. Closures are needed to install repaired tainter valve, mooring bits and to make repairs to the floating guide wall.”

 

The procedures listed below will be utilized at the Old River Lock as repairs to the Bulkhead Lowering Carriage are conducted, until approximately September 30, 2019.

 

“The following procedures shall be used through approximately 30 Sept 2019.

Due to repairs on the Lock Emergency Bulkhead Lowering Carriage, tows entering the Lock are urged to use extreme caution while approaching and entering the lock chamber.  While approaching the Lock, the following are required for passage:

 

1. Tows are to enter the Lock at DEAD SLOW speed.
2. All tows are restricted to no longer than 1100’ in length
3. All tows will line up along the floating guide wall before proceeding.
4. Two line-handlers with life vests and bumpers will be required on both approach and exiting of the Lock.

 

Vessels must be moored by bow and stern lines to floating timberheads.”

 

The East Calumet Floodgate remains closed due to heavy siltation being experienced, full details are reproduced below:

 

“Continuing until further notice, East Calumet Floodgate will remain closed to navigation due to heavy siltation on the west side of the structure making it unsafe for navigation.”

 

The West Calumet Floodgate remains closed due to high water levels being experienced, full details are reproduced below:

 

“Continuing until further notice, West Calumet Floodgate will remain closed to navigation due to high water conditions.”

 

The Algiers Lock will be closed daily during daylight hours to accommodate Emergency Guide Wall repairs:

“Beginning 8 July 2019 and continuing through approximately 8 Aug 2019, Algiers Lock will be closed daily between 6 am and 630 pm due to guide wall repairs being performed on the Mississippi River end of the structure. Harvey Lock can be used as an alternative route.”

The Freshwater Bayou Lock will be closed as scheduled during daylight hours for Lock Chamber Guide Wall repairs:

“Commencing on 24 July 2019 and continuing through 10 August 2019, mariners are advised that the Freshwater Bayou Lock will be closed to navigation from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. each day, due to a U.S. Government Maintenance Unit making necessary guide wall repairs in the lock chamber.”

Please see the attachment for complete details.

MVN 60-Day Lock Status Forecast 71919.pdf