NAVIGATION BULLETIN NO. 22-84, 12 JULY 2022, GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (M.C.–P.A. ALT RTE) – BAYOU SORREL LOCK (UPDATE)

Notice: 22-84

Reference Navigation Bulletin No. 22-79, dated 8 July 2022, stating that beginning on or about 11 July 2022, the U.S. Government Contractor will be mobilizing additional plant to the construction site to start major marine construction activities on the southwest guidewall and dolphin at Bayou Sorrel Lock.  The lock will remain open for navigation passage until approximately 1 August 2022.

On or about 1 August 2022, regular closures of the lock for navigation passage will begin and remain in place until March 2023.  Navigation closure times will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and delays should be expected.  During these closure times, opportunities to allow passage of vessels may occur and will be utilized.

Passage for vessels will be allowed during all other times and queues will be managed by lock personnel to achieve the most efficient possible reduction of queues.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, MARINERS ARE URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS AND SHOULD ENTER ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE LOCK AND AVOID MAKING CONTACT WITH THE SOUTHWEST SIDE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.  ALL NORTHBOUND MARINERS WITH VESSELS GREATER THAN 35 FEET WIDE ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO USE AN ASSIST BOAT FACED UP ON THE BOW OF THE LEAD BARGE ACTING AS A BOW THRUSTER WHEN ENTERING THE LOCK FROM THE SOUTH.

 

ALL SOUTHBOUND MARINERS SHALL USE EXTREME CAUTION AND MAINTAIN A SLOW BELL WHEN EXITING THE LOCK UNTIL CLEAR OF THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE.

The navigation bulletin will be updated for future lock closures and construction schedules.

For up-to-date information, please call the Lockmaster, Brad Blanchard, at (225) 659-2581.  The points of contact with the New Orleans District are Tim Connell at (504) 862-2360 and Anh Nguyen at (504) 862-2153.

//signed//

Wesley M. Sisung, for:

MICHELLE C. DAIGLE

Chief, Technical Support Branch

Operations Division