DOTD announces project to replace Cheniere Lake spillway, bridge in Ouachita Parish
WEST MONROE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that construction to replace both the Cheniere Lake spillway and attached bridge on LA 3033 in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish, is anticipated to begin on February 1, 2021.
There will be a total road closure on LA 3033. This closure is necessary to allow construction to begin on the removal of both structures. LA 3033 will be closed through mid-2022, the duration of the project.
The $9.5 million project will completely replace the bridge over Cheniere Lake, as well as remove and replace the currently attached spillway structure that’s owned and maintained by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.
“The key to the success of many of our projects is our partnership with local government, and this project is a prime example,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “It’s imperative that both of these structures, the bridge and spillway, remain in service for the community for many more years, so I applaud everyone who worked diligently to develop and bring this project to construction.”
The project went out for bid in September, with the contract awarded to Brown Industrial Construction, LLC.
As part of this project, the bridge – owned and maintained by DOTD – will be replaced on its existing alignment. But the new cost-effective spillway will be a fixed crest weir offset from the bridge. This will be a much-improved placement for each structure that will reduce the inconvenience to the traveling public during routine maintenance and other necessary work on the spillway.
Dedicated drainage improvement funds are making possible the construction of the new drainage system that will allow for much more efficient water level control and maintenance activities on the lake. Cheniere Lake will continue to be managed by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.
The entire project expected to be complete in Summer 2022, with progress always dependent on weather conditions.
Detour information: Detour signage will be in place directing motorists to use LA 34 (Jonesboro Road) and LA 840 (Smith Street) to access LA 3033.
Visit www.511la.org or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional road/lane closure information. Out-of-state travelers may call I-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at wwwsp.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Monroe District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov
Cheniere Lake Bridge to be replaced on LA 3033 in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish.
Map indicates location of bridge replacement on LA 3033 at Cheniere Lake in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish.