Coast Guard temporarily re-opens Bayou Chene to vessel traffic; will close bayou starting Saturday

The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily re-opened Bayou Chene to vessel traffic but will close the bayou beginning Saturday morning for workers to install a flood protection structure, according to a Coast Guard news release around 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Bayou Chene will close to all marine traffic in preparation to install a flood protection structure, the release said. The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary emergency safety zone for all waters of the Bayou Chene beginning at mile 130 on the Atchafalaya River extending north through Bayou Chene and ending at Mile 85 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Entry of vessels or people into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port of Morgan City, the release said.
Mariners and facilities are encouraged to take appropriate precautions and frequently check the National Weather Service website nws.noaa.gov for updated flood information. River gauge information may be found at the U.S. Geological Survey website at waterwatch.usgs.gov/new/index.php?m=real&r=la&w=map.