Mississippi River reopens on one-ship-at-a-time basis near Natchez

A SECTION of the Mississippi that was closed to barge traffic has been reopened on a limited one-ship-at-a-time basis upstream near Natchez, says US Coast Guard according to MarketWatch.


Downstream, at the Port of New Orleans, officials say spillways have diverted water from the Mississippi and should keep levels at a safe 17 feet (5.8 metres). "New Orleans is already cresting," said port spokesman Chris Bonura.


New Orleans ship traffic has continued uninterrupted, reports Newark's Journal of Commerce. Port officials say the opening of spillway into Lake Pontchartrain is expected to keep the water level steady and avert restrictions on vessel traffic.


The US Army Corps of Engineers added a fifth dredge at Southwest Pass, the main channel between the river and the Gulf of Mexico, to clear sediment that is deposited by the high water and threatens to reduce the channel's draft below its normal 45 feet (13.7 metres).


"We are working closely with the US Coast Guard to monitor the high river situation, but all indications point to avoiding any major restrictions on the Lower Mississippi River throughout this event," said Port of New Orleans CEO Gary LaGrange.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)