Golden Meadow lock repairs to force day closure

The Leon Theriot lock located south of Golden Meadow is expected to close from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for approximately two weeks as workers repair damage caused when an empty barge struck the structure in January.

The barge strike came two days after the floodgates had been removed to provide better storm surge protection in the area.

Workers began last Monday replacing two of the lock’s 7-foot bolds that hold it in place. No date has been set for the gates to reopen, but port and levee officials estimate the repair work will take approximately two months.

“The incident damaged a critical part of the lock and the accident is causing an inconvenience to mariners because Bayou Lafourche has to be shut down for a period of time,” said Windell Curole, South Lafourche Levee District head.

He urged mariners to “take it slow” as vessels and barges pass through the lock.

Businesses at Port Fourchon that rely on Bayou Lafourche to move goods should be minimally affected, Curole said.

“Port tenants are used to periodic closures of the bayou for construction and other incidents like this,” said Chett Chiasson, executive director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission. “They adjust their transportation schedules accordingly. The effect on commerce should be minimal as things will just move in the nighttime house now until the area is fully reopened.”