The Big River Coalition’s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 2023/2024 Revetment Schedule and Transit Restrictions Update 11224 is here for your reference.
Please review the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) VTS Lower Mississippi River: 5 Day Outlook Monday, February 12, 2024, for complete transit restrictions and updated dates of work for revetment operations.
The transit restrictions for the upcoming work at Avondale (Mile 108 Above Head of Passes – on the right descending bank [western side]) were updated based on the elevated river stages. There will be no southbound deep-draft transits during working hours.
“REVISED: No southbound deep-draft traffic during working hours (0600 hours to 1900 hours). Northbound transits are limited to one-way traffic with a slow bell during working hours.
The MSU will fold in at night and will extend 250 feet from the bank/dock channelward during non-working hours.”
This letter was issued by the New Orleans Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association (NOBRA) on January 3, 2024, to establish nighttime transit conditions to account for the revetment operations at Manchac and St. Gabriel locations. NOBRA released the attached guidance detailing that two pilots will be required for vessels transiting through after the daylight working hours for the revetment operations at the two upriver revetment locations between Burnside and Baton Rouge.
The revetment operations at Saint Gabriel should be completed this Thursday (February 15, 2024) with work expected to start at Avondale on Friday (February 16, 2024).
The two quotes below are reproduced from the guidance provided by NOBRA:
“All vessels traversing northbound and southbound between Burnside and Baton Rouge shall maintain two pilots on board. NOBRA pilots shall work in two pilot teams actively working together with one pilot serving as the conning pilot and the other serving as the resource pilot.[1]”
And
“Any ship 41 feet or greater choosing to traverse the restricted zone at nighttime between MM 180 AHP through MM 234 AHP shall utilize two pilots. The first pilot will accept the original orders and apply the change rules applicable to their order. The second pilot ordered will be assigned to northbound vessels at a Burnside change. The same will be applicable for any second pilot making a southbound change at Burnside. The second pilot on a southbound change shall depart the vessel at Burnside.”
Please review the attachments for complete details.
