Murphy Street Bridge reopens in Shreveport, Caddo Parish
Monday, August 08, 2016 at 8:16:07 AM
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, in conjunction with the city of Shreveport, is proud to announce the opening of the new $4.8 million Murphy Street Bridge over the Kansas City Southern Railroad in Shreveport, Caddo Parish.
The new bridge, which replaces the previous one built in 1956, is slightly longer, making the grade more gradual and includes an improved pedestrian walkway. Additionally, the project repaired the eroded embankment under the bridge.
The Murphy Street Bridge is part of the Federal Off-System Bridge Program, which means while it belongs to the city of Shreveport, the federal government provides 80 percent of the funding for replacement. The rest of the money came from a combination of city and parish funds. DOTD’s role in this construction project included offering engineering services and program oversight.
“We are so very grateful for the coordination and partnership between the State, Parish, and City that made the Murphy Street Bridge Project possible. I want to thank my Director of Engineering, Robert Westerman, for successfully leading the City’s portion of this work,” said Mayor Ollie Tyler. “We are so happy to finally have the Murphy Street Bridge opened for our citizens. Now motorists can take a direct route to their destinations nearby and no longer have to detour.”
Construction for the bridge began in January 2015 and at times was hampered by weather delays and unforeseen site conditions. One such example was due to consideration for the preservation of the historic Sun Furniture building. Monitoring of the initial pile driving required additional considerations to limit the impact of the vibrations on the historic buildings. Another challenge was the coordination of construction and train schedules.
“Anytime you start a project in an area like this one, there’s a chance of dealing with unforeseen issues,” said David North, District Administrator for the DOTD. “Regardless, we’re happy to have partnered with the city of Shreveport to see this bridge project come to fruition. Without their involvement, it never would’ve happened.”