The state of Louisiana earlier this month marked the start of the second phase of construction of the Houma Navigation Channel Lock Complex (HNC). Officials estimate that HNC’s system of levees, sluices and locks will provide protection to approximately 2,000 square kilometers of land and 200,000 residents in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes from storm surges.
“Today’s innovation brings us one step closer to completing the Morganza-to-the-Gulf system and improving protection from hurricanes and other major storms for the residents of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes,” said Gordon Dove, President of Coastal Protection and Restoration. Authority (CPRA), in a press release.
Acting as the state’s entity to develop, implement and enforce the measures of its Protection and Restoration Master Plan, CPRA is tasked with managing the construction of the project. The US Corps of Engineers maintains the HNC itself and will retain operational responsibility for the complex lock structure once construction is complete.
Sealevel Construction, Inc., Thibodaux, La., was named general contractor for the project. The project is scheduled for completion in April 2028 and is estimated at $320 million. Kathleen Rodrigue, a company spokeswoman, said Sealevel is responsible for building the structural portion of the project, while Rigid Constructors of Lafayette, La., will lead the dredging work.
While working independently, Sealevel will also build the coffers and two sector doors, with an estimated 55,000 cubic meters of concrete. Sealevel will install pipe, wood, concrete and sheet piling, with the largest pier measuring 184 feet long and 30 inches in diameter.
The HNC Lock complex will aim to prevent saltwater from entering the Terrebonne Basin while distributing freshwater to estuaries to promote the growth of thousands of acres of wetlands, improving conditions for wildlife and fishing in the area.
“Coordination by state and federal agencies and elected officials at all levels brought us to where we are today, starting the second phase of the HNC Lock Complex project,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said in a news release from the CPRA “I want to express my gratitude to everyone from Terrebonne, CPRA, the Corps and our state and federal legislators for recognizing that the communities, cultures and businesses that thrive in south Louisiana are invaluable and must be continually protected.”
The HNC Lock complex, measuring 110 feet wide and 800 feet long, will have inland and gulf-side sector gates on each side and will connect to the Bubba Dove barge lock via a spanning wall the channel Together, the structures will allow the passage of large ships. In addition to building the lock chamber itself, Phase 2 components include the construction of an operations area, a control building and a 175-foot access bridge. The contractor will dredge about 135,000 cubic yards of material that will be used to shore up 15 acres of marsh habitat.
In a press statement, CPRA board member Anthony Alford said, “It’s hard to express how exciting it is today for the people of Terrebonne Parish and the surrounding ecosystem. This project has been in the works for over a decade, and there have been times when I’ve wondered if I’d ever see it finished.
“This project is the linchpin of the entire Morganza Gulf Hurricane Risk Reduction project,” Alford added. “The ability to let fresh water flow freely in Morganza channels and tributaries that have been decimated by salt water will breathe new life into these waterways and allow the areas to flourish again.”
