ALGIERS LOCK RIVERSIDE DOLPHIN CELL REPLACEMENT & GUIDEWALL EXTENSION

New Orleans, Louisiana

Algiers Lock is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, just below New Orleans. It is a gateway to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), with a critical role in commerce for the State of Louisiana.

Administered by the Corps of Engineers, the Algiers Lock Riverside Dolphin Replacement and Guidewall Extension project demonstrates a commitment to the lock's immediate operational safety and efficiency for traveling vessels. It also represents a strong federal investment in Louisiana's infrastructure assets and keeps state commerce robustly moving on the waterways in the form of barges and towboats transporting goods like petroleum, chemicals, agricultural products, and building materials.

The project called for demolishing the existing riverside dolphin cell, a temporary barrier, and a damaged guidewall, while extending the guidewall and constructing a new dolphin cell. Early mobilization in July 2024 facilitated a smooth start for excavating barge access and demolishing the old cell. With their detailed timeline outlining all phases of the project, Massman engineers designed the template for the cell and tasked Morrison Energy to fabricate it. Massman handled delivery, assembly, and placement of the template and all related piledriving, fill, and concrete. 

Mississippi River elevation had a big impact on this project in the spring and summer months of 2025, but the team was able to reprioritize tasks during the mandates until high water had safely receded and USACE gave the go-ahead.

The timber guidewall extension was installed with a hydraulic hammer, and the wooden bracing was installed via Massman personnel and finished by divers for bolted connections underwater. The completion of the guidewall included navigational lighting, marine fenders and a wooden walkway that connects the existing guidewall to the new dolphin cell.