Weeks Island Bridges Project
6-6-12
Project Scope:
There are two bridges included in this project, the Patout Bridge and the Stumpy Bayou Bridge. Both bridges are on LA 83 south of the town of Lydia. The entire project began in May 2010 and is scheduled to complete in August 2012.
The Patout Bridge is a moveable swing span bridge. The new bridge is being built while traffic is maintained on the old bridge. Once complete, traffic will move to the new bridge. This bridge is scheduled for completion in August 2012.
The Stumpy Bayou Bridge is being built in the same location as the old bridge. Originally traffic was allowed to travel on one side of the bridge directed by a portable traffic sign. It was determined in January 2011 that the bridge would need to close. A new accelerated construction schedule was put in place, and construction was completed in May 2011 as opposed to the original plan to complete it in September 2011.
The Stumpy Bayou Bridge is a timber pile bridge with steel girders. The new bridge will have concrete piles and steel girders. It will be a stronger and wider bridge with wider lanes and small shoulders on each side. The old bridges did not have shoulders.
Construction:
The final two fixed spans were poured next to the swing span. This week they will get ready to pour the barrier rails and install the traffic barriers. Boxes are being installed under the Operator House and running wires. Contractors predict that the bridge will be open to traffic on July 11th.
State Project No. .................................................................240-03-0027
Parish...............................................................................................Iberia
Contractor.....................................................................................Gilchrist
Project Length…………………………………………………..2.2 Miles
Contract Amount..............................................................$ 16,120,613.73
Start Date Patout Bridge.……………………………………....May 2010
Start Date Stumpy Bayou………………………...………December 2010
Anticipated Completion Date...................................................August 2012