MSIB Vol XIX Issue 013 - Waterway Status UPDATE - Sunshine Bridge Operations MM 167-168 AHP LMR

Waterway Status - Sunshine Bridge Operations MM 167 - 168 AHP LMR

This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XVIII, Issue 079 (Sunshine Bridge Operations MM 167 - 168 AHP LMR).

Equipment and vessels associated with the Sunshine Bridge repairs have been removed from the waterway below the Alternate (West) Channel Span; however, scaffolding will remain suspended below the Alternate (West) Channel Span for another 30 days.  

The Sunshine Bridge Alternate (West) Channel Span (Mile Marker 167.5, Right Descending Bank) is now open to inland tow vessel traffic, with the below measures in effect:

* Deep draft ocean-going vessels are prohibited from using the Alternate (West) Channel Span.  
* Tows pushing crane barges, or any other vessels that are taller than the tow vessel, are prohibited from using the Alternate (West) Channel span.
* All inland tows transiting the Alternate (West) Channel Span shall carefully calculate air draft prior to transiting the Alternate (West) Channel Span.  Air draft calculations shall account for the height of the Alternate Channel Span and the river stage, and then the air draft calculation shall be further reduced by at least 20 feet to account for the scaffolding suspended below the bridge.  

Burnside Anchorage from MM 166.5 - 167.0 is now open to anchoring vessels.

Updates and/or changes to the published schedule will be broadcast via Safety Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

For further information, contact the following:

Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (24 hours): (504) 365-2230, VHF-FM Ch. 05A, 11, or 12
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hours): (504) 365-2543
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 


CAPTAIN K. M. LUTTRELL
Captain of the Port New Orleans