DOTD provides update on Military Highway (US 165-X) overpass removal project, Rapides Parish
Tuesday, December 07, 2021 at 8:04:25 AM
DOTD provides update on Military Highway (US 165-X) overpass removal project, Rapides Parish
ALEXANDRIA, La. - Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development provided an update on the project to remove the US 165-X (Military Highway) overpass over the Kansas City Southern railroad in Pineville, Rapides Parish.
The $1.9 million project involves replacing the overpass with an at-grade railroad crossing.
The roadway is currently being built to meet the grade of the railroad crossing that was recently constructed. This process is critical to ensuring a smooth transition from roadway to rail as motorists maneuver over the crossing.
“DOTD manages hundreds of construction projects across the state at any given time, and we know that unforeseen circumstances often arise during this process,” said Secretary Dr. Shawn D. Wilson. “We certainly understand that this can be extremely frustrating for residents who rely on these thoroughfares to be open and operational. I’d like to reassure you that we take the responsibility we have to deliver these projects as promised as seriously as possible, and this one is no exception.”
Concrete curb & gutter is being installed, and the contractor will then begin cutting soil cement to meet the specifications and standards set by DOTD in order to provide a satisfactory roadway base, a key component in the longevity of the service life of the road.
Asphalt will then be laid to provide the driving surface. Permanent striping and signage will follow, as we prepare for re-opening the roadway to traffic.
Much of the remaining work will depend heavily on weather conditions. Taking this into consideration, DOTD anticipates being able to re-open the roadway in late 2021/early 2022, weather permitting.
The original overpass was built in 1921, and even with ongoing maintenance, had aged to the point of being deemed no longer safe for travel prior to a construction project being bid and contracted. The structure was closed to traffic for the safety of the traveling public in November 2019. The overpass removal project went to bid in February 2020.
The utility relocation phase, which encompassed six different utilities, began in July 2020 and wrapped up in April 2021. Construction on the project to replace the overpass with an at-grade railroad crossing began in April 2021.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Alexandria District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov
