The dredge contractors for the dredge project at the Hopper Dredge Disposal Area (HDDA), Great Lakes Dredge and Dock (GLDD) were unable to complete the submerged dredge pipeline operations today.

The Ship Channel closure from Mile 1.4 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to Mile 1.2 AHP during today’s scheduled 12-hour closure will end at 1800 hours tonight as scheduled.

TODAY’S SCHEDULED CHANNEL CLOSURE:

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2021:

0600 hours to 1800 hours: all vessels are restricted from transiting between Mile 2.0 AHP and Mile 0 (Head of Passes), the submerged pipeline will be inserted across the Ship Channel and into the excavated trench.   

A previously unscheduled complete channel closure will now be required and is being set for Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 0600-1800 hours.

These decisions were made to prevent delays to today’s channel closure with a number of ships already transiting or set to transit.

Therefore, the following channel closure will be required, it is being done promptly so that the contractors do not have to re-dredge the trench across the Ship Channel.

NEW CHANNEL CLOSURE SCHEDULED:

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021: 

0600 hours to 1800 hours: all vessels are restricted from transiting between Mile 2.0 AHP and Mile 0 (Head of Passes), the submerged pipeline will be inserted across the Ship Channel and into the excavated trench.   

Vessels intending to arrive or depart the Mississippi River on the day of a scheduled closure must arrive at Pilottown (outbound) no later than 0400 hours or Southwest Pass Entrance Light (inbound) no later than 0330 hours on the morning of the scheduled closures.

The U.S. Coast Guard is preparing an additional Marine Safety Information Bulletin that should be available this evening, it will be distributed upon receipt.