Coast Guard extends temporary safety zone in New Orleans waterway

The Coast Guard is extending a temporary safety zone in the Gulf Intracoost Waterway near New Orleans. The zone covers the water from mile marker 6.5 to mile marker 10 east of Harvey Lock, including the area around the Florida Avenue Bridge. This extension runs from May 5, 2026, through May 22, 2026.

Why it matters: This rule keeps recreational and commercial boaters out of a section of the waterway while crews work on a sewage leak. The area is closed for safety reasons, including exposure to contaminants and the risk of collisions with response boats. The closure is limited to the cleanup period and does not affect land-based traffic or other waterways.

Who it affects

• Boaters and vessel operators transiting the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between mile markers 6.5 and 10 east of Harvey Lock.

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This rule was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector New Orleans. Boaters should check the Federal Register entry for the exact boundaries and contact numbers before planning a transit.

Agency: Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard
Source: Federal Register — read the official document