In the wake of Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, the Mississippi River was closed from Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico for five days.
As of Thursday, vessel traffic above Mississippi River mile marker 167.5 near St. James, LA, and south of mile marker 105 near Bridge City, LA, is open but restricted to daylight hours only.
The river remains closed between mile markers 105 and 167.5. The situation is fluid and changing quickly as officials continue assessing channel safety.
While constrained by power outages and limited labor availability, grain elevators are still assessing damage.
All interstates are now open in Louisiana, with the exception of two sections of I-55, a major north/south artery to access LaPlace and New Orleans.
State officials have asked, however, to keep these arteries clear for the use of emergency personnel.
Railroads report widespread power outages, fallen trees and major flooding have closed lanes and inhibited service-restoration efforts.
Rail customers should expect delays of 48 to 72 hours. More than 50% of U.S. grain exports depend on this region to reach overseas markets.
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