DOTD announces the replacement of three bridges in Red River and Bienville Parishes
Thursday, March 05, 2020 at 8:58:01 AM
DOTD announces the replacement of three bridges in Red River and Bienville Parishes
SHREVEPORT - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the replacement of three bridges through two different state projects in Red River and Bienville Parishes.
The LA 507 bridge between Womack and Castor in Red River Parish was closed last year after it was determined to no longer be safe for travel. A $2.2 million project to replace the 52-year-old bridge will begin in April 2020.
Two bridges on LA 4 between Castor and Lucky in Bienville Parish have also been closed several months due to the condition of the structures. Those bridges – built in 1968 - will be replaced as part of a $2.3 million project set to also begin in April 2020.
Both projects are anticipated to be complete in Spring 2021, with progress dependent on weather conditions.
“Unfortunately, the state has to close bridges from time to time when they become unsafe for travelers,” Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D said. “We inspect bridges around the state regularly to ensure they are safe, but as these structures age, load postings and total bridge closures become more common. This administration has put forth great effort to maintain our infrastructure network with limited resources. For the LA 507 bridge project, we were able to use redistributed funds provided by the Federal Highway Administration, which DOTD received because of its efficient use of previously allocated funding. While we are fortunate to have the necessary funding for these projects, the need is far greater than the revenue stream can support.”
The LA 507 bridge replacement was funded as part of $76.2 million in redistribution money received from the FHWA for states that successfully allocate the full amount of their already available funding for construction projects each fiscal year.
Louisiana has received a portion of the redistribution funds for 19 consecutive years, demonstrating the Department’s ability to efficiently manage projects and funding.
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.
Call 511 or visit www.511la.org for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Shreveport-Bossier District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov