VTS Lower Mississippi River: 5 Day Outlook Wednesday, November 8, 2023

united states coast guard

READ THIS LINE FIRST!!!! The below table provides updated information to the referenced MSIB or other operation impacting navigation. This outlook is the LATEST and MOST ACCURATE Information.

Subscribe to the VTS LMR 5-day outlook email here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/subscriber/new Subscribers should enter their preferred email, then ensure “VTS LMR” is selected under ‘Mariners Tab’ and submit.

Location

Date

Time

Closure or Restriction

Water Barge Distribution

MM 49.2

MSIB - 058

October 6 - TBD

24/7

Slow safe speed/wide berth to minimize wake

Saltwater Barrier Sill

MM 63.5-64

MSIB - 056

October 1 – November 30

24/7

One-way traffic; ships shall check in with contact pilots onboard JS CHATRY on VHF-FM 67 or 71

Bank Stabilization Stone Placement

MM 84.2, LDB (Poydras)

MSIB - 060

November 13 – December 15

0700–1900

One way traffic at slowest safe speed when passing work site. If further assistance is needed, vessels can contact New Orleans VTS on VHF CH. 12 or the on-scene vessels M/V KACIE LUHR and M/V MEGAN DAWN on VHF CH 13, 16, or 72.

Bank Stabilization Stone Placement

MM 108.5, RDB (Avondale)

MSIB - 060

November 9-11

0700–1900

One way traffic at slowest safe speed when passing work site. If further assistance is needed, vessels can contact New Orleans VTS on VHF CH. 12 or the on-scene vessels M/V KACIE LUHR and M/V MEGAN DAWN on VHF CH 13, 16, or 72.

College Town Light

MM 225-228.3

MSIB - 041

Until further notice

24/7

All towing vessels in vicinity of College Town Light (MM 225 to MM228.3) are reminded and advised to keep flat on the bank and provide a wide berth to deep-draft traffic.

Alliance Anchorage

MSIB - 056

Until further notice

N/A

Closed to all vessels

Point Celeste Anchorage

MSIB - 034

Until further notice

N/A

OPEN to all vessels.

Harvey Lock 

USACE Navigation Bulletin NO. 23-129

Until further notice

Daylight hours only

OPEN for navigation, Daytime Only

Slowest safe speed from passing SHIPS to minimize wake

Algiers Lock

USACE Navigation Bulletin NO. 20-197

October 2 – December 1

N/A

Closed to all traffic (Emergency Repairs)

 

MSIB 060: Mississippi River – Bank Stabilization Stone Placement

The Captain of the Port New Orleans is issuing Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Safety Measures to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ bank stabilization & stone placement work at the locations listed below. Construction efforts will involve multiple vessels and barges with anchors deployed encroaching into the navigation channel. The below dates and restrictions may vary based on operations. Daily updates to the schedule and restrictions will be messaged via the Vessel Traffic Service 5-day outlook email.

 

All interested navigation stakeholders are highly encouraged to subscribe the VTS 5-day outlook email here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/subscriber/new . Subscribers should enter their preferred email, then ensure “VTS LMR” is selected under ‘Mariners Tab’ and submit.

 

 

Location

Mile Marker / Bank

Date / Time

Restrictions

Avondale

108.5 / RDB

Nov 9–11 / 0700–1900

Slow bell, One-way

Poydras

84.2 / LDB

Nov 13–Dec 15 / 0700–1900

Slow bell, One-way

Neptune

23.5 / LDB

Dec 15–Jan 15 / 0700–1900

Slow bell

 

 

All vessels shall transit at their slowest safe speed when passing the work site. The on-scene vessels M/V KACIE LUHR and M/V MEGAN DAWN can be contacted by concerned traffic on VHF Channel 13, 16, and 72.

MSIB 058: Mississippi River Saltwater Intrusion

Mariners are advised to operate with caution in the vicinity of the locations listed below until further notice. The USCG will provide updates of locations with active mitigation efforts via industry wide email. It is recommended that vessel operators working in support of mitigation efforts at or near these locations maintain a proper lookout and notify passing traffic when precautions, such as transiting at slowest safe speed may be needed. Communications should be made on VHF Channel 12 with VHF Channel 67 as a backup. If immediate assistance is needed, operators should contact the Lower Mississippi River Vessel Traffic Service.

Location

River MM (AHP) & Bank

Port Sulfur

49.2 RDB

Pointe A La Hache

49.7 LDB

Belle Chasse

75.5 RDB

Dalcour

80.9 LDB

St. Bernard

88.0 LDB

New Orleans Algiers

95.7 RDB

Gretna

96.7 RDB

West Jefferson

99.1 RDB

New Orleans Carrollton

104.7 LDB

East Jefferson

105.4 LDB

 

MSIB 056: LA- MISSISSIPPI RIVER, MILE 63.8, AHP – SALTWATER BARRIER SILL CONSTRUCTION

The Captain of the Port New Orleans is issuing Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Safety Measures to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ raising of the emergency Saltwater Barrier Sill at Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker (MM) 63.8 Above Head of Passes (AHP). The new sill is being constructed to an elevation of minus 30’ with a 620’ wide, minus 52’ cut along the Left Descending Bank (LDB) allowing for deep draft vessels to transit. The following channel restrictions will be in effect beginning on September 23 at 1200:

  • All vessels are limited to one way traffic from MM 63.3 to 64.2 AHP confined to a channel 620’ wide. The channel is marked on its corners by four white buoys with fixed white all-around lights.
    • All vessels transiting this zone shall check-in with and take direction from the Contact Pilot onboard the Cutterhead Dredge J.S. CHATRY on VHF Channels 67 or 71 at the following points:
      • Southbound Vessels – Wills Point, MM 68 AHP
      • Northbound Vessels – Poverty Point, MM 59 AHP
    • All vessels shall transit at their slowest safe speed between MM 63.0 to 65.5 AHP.
    • Alliance Anchorage is closed to all traffic.
    • The Contact Pilot is the Coast Guard’s Designated Representative.
    • These measures will remain in effect until rescinded/adjusted at a future date.

Buoy Locations: 29 42 11.2845N, 089 58 44.1128W

                           29 42 01.5399N, 089 58 38.3448W

                           29 42 15.2087N, 089 58 37.7989W

                           29 42 04.2639N, 089 58 31.7873W

Advance Notice:

Revetment

Tentatively starting in December 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mat Sinking Unit (MSU) will begin revetment operations on the Lower Mississippi River. Once the schedule is confirmed, the dates will be promulgated by the U.S. Coast Guard via Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM), Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB), and/or industry-wide email.