Seabrook Floodgate, Flood barrier near Industrial Canal, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Seabrook Floodgate is a protective structure near the Industrial Canal in New Orleans that controls water flow between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. The system uses large sector gates and vertical lift gates that can seal completely during severe storms.
This floodgate system was built after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to better protect the city from storm surge. The project was a key part of rebuilding the region's flood defenses following that major disaster.
This flood barrier shows how the city rebuilt its relationship with water and storms after past disasters. It reflects the ongoing effort to live safely in a place shaped by the river and the lake.
The floodgate area is generally accessible and offers good views of the structure and the waterway system. Visit when weather is calm so you can better observe how the gates work without interference from storms.
The two main gate leaves each weigh around 220 tons and seal together with remarkable precision when danger threatens. Many visitors overlook how quickly this system can close to stop water from entering the canal.
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