Repairs begin for Mississippi River levee at Duncan Point

Published Nov. 10, 2011

NEW ORLEANS—As a result of damages sustained during the 2011 Mississippi River high-water event, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its non-federal sponsor, the Pontchartrain Levee District, are repairing the levee at Duncan Point in East Baton Rouge Parish.

“This area has been identified as the New Orleans Districts’ most critical area in terms of potential loss of life and economic damage,” stated Durund Elzey, Senior Project Manager for the New Orleans Mississippi River and Tributaries System. “We have expedited repairs to this area so that we will be prepared for the next high-water season.”

The $8.85 million project requires the construction of a seepage berm and the relocation of River Road. As a result, Highway 327 between Ben Hur Road and Trinity Lane will remain closed for approximately four months.

“The Pontchartrain Levee District’s priority is the safety of the public,” stated Steve Wilson, President of the Pontchartrain Levee District. “While we certainly understand the inconveniences rerouting traffic will cause, the importance of getting these levee repairs completed must take precedence.”

Immediately following the historic flood of 2011, the United States Army Corps of Engineers began assessing the costs of restoring the system of levees and other MR&T system features that have been successful since 1927 in reducing flooding risks along the Mississippi River. In early August 2011, a Phase I prioritization was conducted to rank order the most critical “RESET” areas in the Mississippi River &Tributaries (MR&T) system. Under this prioritization, Duncan Point has been classified as the most critical area in the New Orleans District’s area of responsibility.

Contact
Ricky Boyett
504-862-1524
ricky.d.boyett@usace.army.mil

Release no. 11-011