Corps begins Phase II of Mississippi River levee project in Jefferson Parish
Work will raise 4.5 mile levee section between Orchard Road and the St. Charles-Jefferson Parish line
NEW ORLEANS –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District began construction efforts on the second phase of the project to raise the East Bank Mississippi River levee in Jefferson Parish to its congressionally-authorized heights. This project is part of the Mississippi River and Tributaries project designed to provide flood damage risk reduction to residents and businesses of greater New Orleans.
The project is divided into two phases, a 4.2 mile reach that began at the Orleans Parish line and ends near Crislaur Ave. and a 4.5 mile reach that begins at Orchard Rd. and ends at the St. Charles Parish line. Work on phase 2, between Orchard Road and the St. Charles-Jefferson parish line will be conducted in approximately 5,000 feet sections, beginning on the downriver portion of the reach. In general, the height of the levee will be increased an average of 2 feet as well clearing any trees and vegetation growing within the levee section. Earthwork will be mainly limited to the upper portions of the levee. The second phase of work is expected to be complete in early summer 2016, subject to adverse weather delays and river stages.
As part of the construction, the all-weather access path will be removed and replaced upon completion of the levee lift. To ensure the safety of the public, access to this portion of the levee will be prohibited during construction.
Construction activities on Phase 1 are substantially complete. The majority of the all-weather access path, except for a short section, has been restored and public access is permitted. The remaining work entails efforts to improve three access ramps and completing a short section of the all-weather access path. The contractor, Hernandez Consulting LLC., will have flagmen present on the levee during active construction on the ramps. Public users are urged to exercise caution when in the vicinity of construction and to adhere to the instruction of the safety personnel on site.
The Army Corps will continue to work closely with its partners at the East Jefferson Levee District and Jefferson Parish on the MR&T system. If at any time residents have questions about the construction of the system, please contact the Army Corps’ toll free Construction Hotline at 877-427-0345.
Release no. 15-025