The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway West Closure Complex is a part of the New Orleans Drainage System; it consists of a navigable floodgate, a pumping station, flood walls, sluice gates, foreshore protection, and an earthen levee.

The complex was designed to reduce risk for residences and businesses in the project area from a storm surge associated with a tropical event, with an intensity that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.

The GIWW West Closure Complex consists of a navigable floodgate, a pumping station, floodwalls, sluice gates, foreshore protection, and an earthen levee.

On May 28, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency granted the US Army Corps of Engineers permission to modify the Bayou aux Carpes 1985 determination to allow for construction on the westernmost boundary of the wetland area.

On April 17, 2009, the Corps awarded the base portion of the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract to Gulf Intracoastal Constructors for pile load testing and pre-construction services.