St. James Parish, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is pleased to provide a project update on the ongoing construction projects for the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge and the LA 20 widening project in St. James Parish. These projects are crucial for enhancing transportation infrastructure and improving safety for the local community.
Bayou Chevreuil Bridge Update: In the coming weeks, crews will continue with the installation of guardrails, striping and a thorough bridge inspection and inventory conducted by DOTD, following the recent pouring of the south approach slab to the bridge. Road tie-ins are anticipated to begin in the next 2-3 weeks. Weather permitting, the bridge is scheduled to open in phases by mid-March. Once traffic is fully transitioned onto the new structure, the temporary bridge will be dismantled. The estimated completion date for this project is set for early summer 2025.
LA 20 Widening Update: Simultaneously, the LA 20 widening project is making significant strides. The installation of the stone base for the widening section from South Vacherie to the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge is currently underway. Following the completion of the stone installation, asphalt will be laid to widen this section and bring it to grade. Additionally, construction will begin on the flat bridge at the St. James/Lafourche Parish line, which includes driving piles and widening the bridge towards the swamp side. Once this phase is finalized, traffic will be diverted to the new bridge while the existing bridge is removed and replaced. This construction is expected to continue through 2025.
Later this year and into 2026, work will extend to the section between the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge and the Lafourche end of the project, where stone will be placed followed by asphalt for further widening. The entire widening project is estimated to be completed in summer 2026.
DOTD appreciates the community’s patience and support as these vital infrastructure projects move forward. Updates will continue to be provided to keep the public informed on progress.
(Crews installing joint bases on Bayou Chevreuil Bridge)
(Bayou Chevreuil Bridge replacement)
(Crews starting the base layer on LA 20)
(Aerial view of LA 20 widening)