The Bayou Blue Pontoon Bridge on State Route 316 across the GIWW, Mile 49.8, WHL, near Bourg, Louisiana, has been severely damaged as the result of a vessel allision. The pontoon barge has been secured along the north side of the waterway and protrudes approximately 30 feet into the navigation channel. Most of the fender system has been destroyed or has been seriously damaged.
In order to facilitate repairs, the following waterway closure schedule will be implemented Monday through Friday, beginning on Monday, November 1, 2010 and continuing through the end of February 2011.
6:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. - Complete closure with the exception of small tows less than 40 feet wide and small boats
10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. - Open to all tows with eastbound traffic allowed to transit first, followed by westbound traffic
1:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. - Complete closure with the exception of small tows less than 40 feet wide and small boats
Outside of the above closure times and on weekends, mariners will be able to transit through the work zone unrestricted. Additionally, no waterway restrictions will occur during the following holidays: Thanksgiving holidays (November 25-28, 2010); Christmas Holidays (December 24-
26, 2010) and New Year’s Holidays (December 31, 2010 through January 2, 2011).
UPDATE: Diving operations will be conducted throughout the repair operation. All mariners are to contact the bridge on VHF-FM Channel 13 or (985) 857-3666, in advance of arriving at the bridge for clearance and passing instructions. Mariners may also contact the Attendant Tug, M/V BRIDGE BUILDER I on VHF-FM Channel 13. Once cleared for passage, mariners are urged to exercise extreme caution when transiting through the bridge at their slowest safe speed.