A representative from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has confirmed that the revetment operations at Poydras, Mile 81 Above Head of Passes on the left descending bank have resumed.

The work at Poydras is now expected to be completed on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

The Carrollton Gauge (New Orleans) reading at 0400 hours today was 13.55 feet with a 24-hour change of + 0.11 feet.

The remaining work at Poydras requires significant transit restrictions that are detailed in the attached Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB).   

“Effective 6:00 AM on Monday, November 26, 2018, this Measure is in effect with the following provisions:

• Sea-going deep draft vesselsare restricted to one-way traffic from MM 80 to MM 83 AHP at all times during these revetment operations.
• Downbound sea-going deep draft vessels over 700 feet longare not permitted to transit between MM 80 and MM 83 AHP from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM while revetment operations are conducted. These vessels may transit the area after the platform is folded in at night.
• Towing vesselsare restricted to one-way traffic from MM 80 to MM 83 AHP LMR from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. After the platform is folded in at night, meeting or overtaking arrangements may be made on a case-by-case basis with agreement of the other vessel and the on-scene pilots mentioned below.
• Line tows with 25 or more bargesshall consider flanking Lower 12 Mile Point.
• All vessels are prohibited from anchoring below MM 83.0 within Lower 9 Mile Anchorage.
• All vessels are prohibited from anchoring within Lower 12 Mile Anchorage.
• All vessels shall contact the USACE on-scene pilots stationed on the M/V HARRISON or M/V WILLIAM JAMES via VHF-FM Channels 67 or 82 to make passing arrangements.

Mariners are urged to exercise caution and transit at the slowest safe speed to minimize wake.  Updates and/or changes will be broadcast via Safety Broadcast Notice to Mariners.”

The Coast Guard, Corps, Pilots and navigation stakeholders will continue to monitor the operations and navigational safety, additional adjustments may be warranted.   The transit restrictions established in the attached MSIBs may also change, the U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (VTS LMR) indicates an updated MSIB should be issued when the mat sinking operations return to Poydras.  The transit restrictions are expected to be the same, but minor changes could be warranted.

The Corps hopes to complete the placement of revetment mats at Poydras by tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday, January 8, 2019.

MSIB_Vol_XVIII_Issue_086b_Poydras_Revetment_Operations_MM_81[3].pdf