DOTD announces the reopening of Dunnington (LA 443) Bridge in Tangipahoa Parish
Friday, November 17, 2017 at 2:56:30 PM
TANGIPAHOA PARISH - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that effective today the Dunnington Bridge in Tangipahoa Parish is reopened. The structure, located along La. 443 over the Tangipahoa River in Hammond, sustained irreparable damage during the August 2016 flood and was subsequently closed to vehicular traffic.
“The opening of the La. 443 bridge is another significant demonstration of progress and recovery following the historic flooding event in 2016,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “Many families, businesses and others impacted by the flooding are continuing to move forward. The opening of this bridge the completion of the La. 10 bridge last week are examples of what hard work can do for a community.”
The first phase of construction was a $195,000 project demolish the old bridge, which began November 2016 and was completed in December 2016, with work performed by River/ Road Construction, INC. The second phase, a $2.9 million replacement project, was constructed by Coastal Bridge Co., LLC and began in March 2017. Repairing the bridge was not feasible since the safety and integrity of the structure was compromised due to the removal of sediments such as sand and rocks around the piers, and scour sustained around many of its piles.
“Over time, people tend to forget how devastating the 2016 flooding was and how it impacted many of our rural communities,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “I’m proud of the DOTD staff and all the people who contributed to this project’s completion. I also want to thank all of those who were inconvenienced while this work was going on and hope they can enjoy this bigger and better bridge for many years.”
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.