Ostrica Locks repairs complete, reopened for marine traffic

The Ostrica Locks have finally been reopened for marine traffic after being damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development completed the rebuilding and repairs to the Ostrica Locks, and it is back in operation and open to marine traffic. The locks are located on the East Bank of Plaquemines Parish, across from Buras.

DOTD tested the locks on Sunday and Monday, allowing boat traffic to pass while final adjustments were made. The Ostrica Locks are now in normal operation 24 hours a day.

“They’ve been working on the locks for more than four years,” Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser said. “Since it was a state project, we did not have control over it; all we could do was complain and put pressure on them. They met many challenges such as high river and water damage that dragged the project out.

“We’re very happy to have Ostrica Locks back open so it can be used to navigate to oyster beds and fishing grounds.”