DOTD provides update on Spring St. Bridge repair project in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces an update to the Spring Street Bridge (LA 1 Northbound) repair project in downtown Shreveport, Caddo Parish.
The overpass into downtown from I-20 was severely damaged during a train derailment on Friday, April 24, 2020. The structure was immediately closed, as it was no longer safe for travel.
The contractor has made significant progress on the repairs, including installing all 22 helical bridge piles, and pouring the concrete footing for the columns.
New bridge columns are currently being installed, as is a new crash wall that will serve to help prevent damage during any future train derailments. Two more concrete pours will occur over the next two weeks as part of the construction of the crash wall. Those pours will be weather dependent.
(A crash wall is being constructed to help prevent damage from any future train derailments. Photo: DOTD)
Following the construction of the crash wall, the steel braces for the columns will be installed. Then the steel bracing support that is currently holding the bridge deck in place will be removed, and the area will be cleaned in preparation for opening to traffic.
DOTD and the contractor continue to partner daily with the railroad companies in order to coordinate work schedules amid frequent train traffic that requires crews to vacate the project site, and then remobilize.
Estimated completion of the repairs is late August, weather permitting.
The Spring Street overpass serves as the primary route into the downtown Shreveport area from I-20. Until repairs are complete, the bridge and off-ramp from I-20 (Exit 19A) to Crockett Street will remain closed.
Motorists are directed to use the Fairfield Avenue exit (Exit 18C) from I-20 to access the downtown area.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Shreveport-Bossier District
(318) 549-8402
Erin.buchanan@la.gov
(The 83-year-old Spring St. Bridge (LA 1 NB) was closed following a train derailment in April 2020. Photo: DOTD)