Old River Control Structure

The Old River Control Structure manages water distribution between the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya River through a network of dams and channels.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed this engineering project in 1963 to prevent the Mississippi River from changing course toward the Atchafalaya Basin.

This structure represents a turning point in water management practices, influencing the development of communities along both the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers.

Engineers maintain a precise 70-30 water distribution ratio between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers to protect cities like New Orleans from flooding.

The facility prevents the Mississippi River from naturally redirecting its course, which would otherwise abandon its current channel within several decades.

Location: Louisiana

GPS coordinates: 30.98933,-91.66397

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:36