NEW IBERIA, La. -- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that beginning Saturday, September 22, the Patout Bridge at Weeks Island, in Iberia Parish, is expected to open to traffic by mid-afternoon.

The project constructed a new movable swing-span bridge along La. 83. The new bridge was built while traffic was maintained on the old bridge.

“The completion of the Weeks Island Bridges project will pave the way for economic growth in this region and will create more efficient movement of goods and services across our state,” said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas.

“The Patout Bridge is vital for residents and farmers in this region”, said Rep. Simone Champagne.  “The completion of this project not only provides a safer and more efficient commute for motorists, but it also adds to the economic growth of the agriculture industry in this region.”

Construction of the Patout Bridge was part of the larger Weeks Island Bridges project. There were two bridges included in this project, the Patout Bridge and the Stumpy Bayou Bridge. Both bridges are located on La. 83 south of the town of Lydia.

Awarded to Gilchrist Construction for $16 million, work on the project began in May 2010 and was completed in September 2012. 

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 http://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).