Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex

APTIM designs critical infrastructure to provide protection from saltwater intrusion and storm surge for residents of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

APTIM designed and manages the construction of the Houma Navigation Canal (HNC) Lock Complex, which includes a lock complex, upgraded floodgate structure, and braced concrete and steel floodwalls. Project outcomes include:

Enhanced protection of 100K+ residents of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes from saltwater intrusion and thousands from storm surge
Integral component of the Morganza to the Gulf (MTTG) hurricane protection project
Managed team of 13 subconsultants, all specialists in their respective fields

Project History

The MTTG hurricane protection system is designed to protect 150K residents in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes from dangerous storm surges through a combination of levees, floodgates, and locks. Touted as the crown jewel of MTTG, the HNC Lock Complex, is a large-scale hydrologic restoration project aimed at reducing saltwater intrusion and distributing freshwater across the Terrebonne Basin. This project supports thousands of acres of wetlands, serving as vital wildlife habitats and fish nurseries. Once completed, the HNC Lock will measure 110 feet wide and 800 feet long, with sector gates on the inland and gulf sides, located next to the existing 250-foot-wide Bubba Dove barge floodgate that will be upgraded in later phases of the project.

In Phase 1 of the project, APTIM, T. Baker Smith, Tetra Tech, and GIS Engineering, LLC performed engineering during construction, as well as construction administration services for the dredging and civil site work portion of the Lock Complex. Construction on Phase 1 was completed in 2023.

In Phase 2 of the project, APTIM is performing construction administration engineering during construction services for the Lock Complex with T. Baker Smith, Tetra Tech, and GIS. Phase 2 consists of the following:

Lock Chamber
Sector Gates (Inland and Gulf Sides)
Protection Fendering, Nose Piers, and East Side Protection Dolphins
Operations Area
Control Building
Site Fencing, Signage, and Utilities
Erosion Protection

Services Provided

Civil and Structural Flood Protection Design and Engineering
Engineering During Construction
Planning, Design, and Feasibility Studies
Permitting
Documentation Report Design
USACE and CPRA Coordination

Learn more about APTIM’s flood protection engineering services.

Related Projects

Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex

APTIM. In Pursuit of Better.

“The HNC Lock Complex is the most important feature of the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Risk Reduction Project. It will have huge environmental benefits as well as providing a major safe harbor for mariners during tropical emergencies throughout South Central Louisiana. This project protects our people, our property, our culture, our economy, and our coast.”

- TLCD Board President and CPRA Board Member Anthony “Tony” Alford

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