ST. MARY PARISH — The temporary barge at Bayou Chene in St. Mary Parish has been removed.
The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority announced Tuesday that the barge was removed and marine traffic is now open.
The barge was submerged at Bayou Chene in June 2019. It acted as a flood gate to keep backwater flooding from entering Assumption, lower St. Martin, and St. Mary parishes.
Officials say it also helped hold back more than 4 feet of surge during Hurricane Barry.
Work to install a permanent barge structure is expected to begin this year.
