NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has opened the Judge Seeber (Claiborne) Bridge 24 hours ahead of schedule, bringing much needed relief to commuters in the Lower Ninth Ward and St. Bernard Parish areas.

"We are thrilled to be able to deliver this $6.7 million project ahead of schedule," said Michael Stack, DOTD District Administrator for the New Orleans area. "We knew it was a priority to the community for us to push to get this bridge back online as soon as possible, so we did our best to do so."

The project, designed to extend the life of the existing structure, began in September 2009, with Boh Bros. Construction Co. as the contractor. The bridge, which closed for the final phase of repairs on April 2, underwent repairs to the electrical and mechanical system, and also required the installation of wire ropes along with a deck replacement – the most recent repair. The project timeline was scheduled to accommodate major holidays and events in area, including Mardi Gras, and to ensure completion before the 2011 hurricane season began, providing a safe, functioning evacuation route for citizens should it be needed.

As DOTD continues to be on the forefront of the flood fight across the state, plans for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event to mark the completion of repairs to the Judge Seeber Bridge have been postponed until after the Memorial Day weekend. Details of the event will be announced later next week.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).