Update on Sunshine Bridge repair
Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 1:16:59 PM
BATON ROUGE – Today the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced the latest update on the repair of the Sunshine Bridge. The jacking of the bridge to relieve the structure is underway. The damaged lower chord has been removed and crews will heat straighten the damaged remaining components beginning this weekend. The replacement chord is being fabricated and will be installed next week.
“We continue to see major progress this week on the Sunshine Bridge repairs as we have begun the process of returning the structure to its original geometry,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “To ensure the safety of our construction crews, we remain in constant contact with the Coast Guard to ensure that passing vessels maintain a low speed. So far, we haven’t needed to implement any restrictions on river traffic. ”
In addition to the work currently taking place, DOTD is reviewing the design and developing plans for the secondary member repairs that are necessary to completely repair the bridge.
Work on the bridge is estimated to be complete in January 2019. Once repairs are complete, DOTD will give the bridge a thorough inspection to ensure that it’s safe for the traveling public.
Commuters are reminded to take advantage of Commuter Krewe. The Commuter Krewe website offers a ride-matching database to help commuters find others who live and work nearby to share rides. Go to https://www.commuterkrewe.la/ and sign up. Commuter Krewe is a joint effort of DOTD and the Capital Region Planning Commission. Check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CommuterKrewe/
DOTD has also adjusted the Plaquemine ferry schedule. During the duration of the Sunshine Bridge closure, additional ferry service hours will be
- Monday through Friday, the first boat will run from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Monday through Friday, the second boat will run from 5:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, the first boat will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, the second boat will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When two ferries are in operation, they are scheduled to depart every 15 minutes. When there is only one, it leaves every 30 minutes (departs Plaquemine at :00 and :30, Sunshine at :15 and :45).
Motorists are also encouraged to use the Veterans Memorial Bridge as an alternate river crossing.
Call 511 or visit 511la.org for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-800-ROAD-511 (1-800-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov/, by selecting MYDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.