REMINDER: Kraemer Vertical Lift Bridge improvement project closures scheduled to begin in June--NOW OPEN NOW OPEN
Monday, June 26, 2017 at 9:12:49 AM
UPDATE---OPEN-OPEN-OPEN-OPEN-OPEN
LAFOURCHE PARISH, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation recently began a $873,500 project to upgrade electrical and mechanical components of the Kraemer Vertical Lift Bridge on La. 307 crossing Bayou Boeuf in Kraemer, La. The project includes a scheduled three-week closure to vehicular traffic from Monday, June 5 at 7 a.m. to Sunday, June 25 at 5 p.m. This is a 24-hour/all-day closure.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and other first responders recently announced that preparations have been made to address the upcoming closure. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division will employ several measures, including extra patrols in the area during the repairs. Acadian Ambulance, which provides emergency medical transportation services to the area surrounding the bridge, will not be affected by the closure.
In a previous release regarding the closure, LPSO quoted Acadian Ambulance Operations Supervisor Chad Davis who stated, “The Kraemer Bridge, itself, marks the typical response area boundaries for our ambulance stations in Vacherie and Raceland. Therefore, the closure of the bridge shouldn't affect our response.” Davis also noted Air Med services will also be available, if necessary, as there are locations for a helicopter to land on either side of the bridge.
The Kraemer Bridge also separates the Bayou Boeuf and Lafourche Fire District #1 (Raceland) fire districts, but firefighters from both fire districts often respond to incidents on the east side of the bridge. Lafourche Fire District #1 President Gary Foret said a fire engine will be stationed immediately east of the bridge for the duration of the bridge repairs. Additionally, Bayou Boeuf firefighters will station a vessel on the west bank of the bayou to be able to access the east bank.
The closure is necessary for contractor Coastal Bridge Co., L.L.C. to remove and replace the 40-year old bridge’s wire ropes and major electrical conductors in the operator’s house. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the estimated time of completion is August 2017.
The suggested detours are as follows.
- Westbound: La. 182 South to La. 308 West to La. 20 North and then La. 307.
- Eastbound: La. 20 South to La. 308 East to La. 182 North and then La. 307.
All construction activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking or biking near an active work zone.
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org. Additionally, real-time around-the-clock New Orleans traffic updates can be accessed via Twitter @NOLA_Traffic.
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www.dotd.la.gov