Morganza Spillway - stilling basin upgrade

On 5/14/2013, I had the opportunity to visit the Morganza Spillway with my friend, Blair Bice, who is retired from Luhr Brothers Construction.  We were hosted by the project superintendant for Luhr Brothers on a major project for the upgrade of the stilling basin. 

Click on this link to view my photo album.

Danny, Dave, Blair

The spillway has only been opened on two occasions since it's completion in 1954 - during the floods of 1973 and 2011.  The stilling basin is to absorb some of the energy of the water when the gates of the control structure are opened.  The current project involves the laying of geofabric in the excavated basin and then covering it with layers of different sized stone.  This will also aid in prevention of undermining the concrete slab when the spillway gates are opened.

It was most interesting seeing the large pieces of stone being moved from a barge on the Mississippi River by large trucks which crossed LA Highway 1, and were then unloaded and placed in the stilling basin.

Additionally, we had the opportunity to go across the river to the quarters barge and to see other barges of stone staged for unloading as the project progresses.  A great meal was enjoyed by all.

If interested in seeing some heavy equipment in action, view these short videos -

• Unloading stone in the stilling basin
• Stilling basin
• Stone in the basin
• Unloading stone from barge
• Loading stone in trucks
• Preparing to cross river
• Lunch on the quarters barge
• View from quarters barge
• Leaving the quarters barge
• Unloading stone from barge
• Dumping stone in the basin

(See related post for Old River Control Structure.)

AlexRiverFete

Alexandria, Louisiana is alive this weekend as what used to be several different events have been combined into a great weekend festival - AlexRiverFete!  View my photo album.  Some of the events included:

• Dinner on the Bricks (Thursday evening) - a couple of blocks on Third Street were blocked off as a variety of food vendors and restaurants provided outstanding treats along with libations and music.  We enjoyed seeing so many friends.
• Art Walk (Friday evening and Saturday) - between the art museum (AMOA) at one end of downtown and the River Oaks Art Center at the other end, arts and crafts were on display and for sale.  The yarn bombers had decorated the trees, poles, trash cans, and other artifacts.  Food and drink were plentiful, and people passed a good time.  In the middle of the evening, we attended the City Park Players presentation of Catfish Moon, a hilarious play set in the South.  It's great to see talented friends performing.  Music on the levee at the Riverfront Park provided additional entertainment featuring the Rebirth Brass Band.
• Louisiana Dragon Boat Races (Saturday) - This great event has about 40 boats with 20 paddlers per boat representing local organizations competing on the Red River for bragging rights.  Much of downtown is blocked off for this all day fundraiser for the art museum.  Music and vendors abound.

Alexandria rocks!  Come on down, y'all.

Dinner on the Bricks

Art Walk - Yarn Bombers

Art Walk - Chalk Art

Art Walk



Dragon Boat races - 47 teams competing

Louisiana Iris

As this Louisiana iris bloomed in our backyard, it was a reminder to me of the beauty of the state and our people.  How fortunate we are to live in this special place!