The Corps’ Mississippi Valley New Orleans (MVN) District’s Lock and Waterway Status 60-Day Forecast as issued today (December 7, 2018) is attached.
The status report updates conditions on the on the Calcasieu, Bayou Sorrel and Old River Locksand the East Calumet Floodgate.
The update on the continuing intermittent scheduled closures at the Calcasieu Lock due to ongoing Chamber Guide Wall work is reproduced below:
“Calcasieu Lock is closed to navigation intermittently Monday through Friday from 6:30 am until 6:00 pm each day or as indicated by the Corps. This schedule will continue until approximately 1 December 2019.”
The information on the upcoming Dewatering for Gate Repairs at the Bayou Sorrel Lock is reproduced below:
“Commencing on approximately 31 August 2018 and continuing until approximately 15 December 2018, Bayou Sorrel Lock will be closed to navigation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, due to dewatering operations at the south end gates.”
The information on the two ongoing repairs at the Old River Lock are reproduced in order below: Tainter Valve and Mooring Bit Repairs and Emergency Bulkhead Lowering System repairs are reproduced below:
Tainter Valve and Mooring Bit Repairs:
“Commencing on or about 15 November 2018 and continuing through 29 March 2019, mariners will be subject to intermittent delays to navigation (up to 12 hours) at Old River Lock. The closures will occur during daylight hours between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The delays will be due to necessary work required to remove and repair a broken tainter valve and mooring bits.”
Emergency Bulkhead Lowering System Repairs:
“Old River Lock is now open but with the following restrictions due to repairs on the Lock Emergency Bulkhead Lowering Carriage:
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 guidewall before proceeding.
4. Two line-handlers with life vests and bumpers will be required on both approach and exiting of the Lock.
5. Vessels must be moored by bow and stern lines to floating timberheads.”
The information on the closure due to heavy siltation being experienced at the East Calumet Floodgate is 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.”
Please see the attachment for complete details.
