BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that the Huey P. Long Bridge was named the winner of Bentley Systems Incorporated’s 2012 "Be Inspired" Innovation in Bridges award. The projects in this category demonstrate how advanced technology can enhance problem solving at every stage of the project delivery process, from planning, design, and engineering to construction simulation and analysis.
The honor was presented at a ceremony during the annual Be Inspired: Innovations in Infrastructure event in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Award finalists were chosen from more than 250 organizations in 39 countries.
The $1.2 billion Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project, which is now in the final phase of construction, involves widening the bridge from two to three lanes in each direction. The driving surface of the bridge will more than double from 18 feet wide to 43 feet wide. The project also includes the construction of elevated bridge approaches and ramps, and new intersections with traffic signals at Bridge City Avenue and Jefferson Highway. This bridge serves as a critical river crossing for residents in Jefferson Parish. More than 43,000 drivers use the bridge each day.
The Huey P. Long Bridge was originally designed in 1926 when engineers had limited tools for measuring and calculating. The contractors designed the bridge to be strong enough to deal with difficult, sandy soil conditions while being safe for travelers. It opened to traffic on December 16, 1935.
Bentley Systems Incorporated is the global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Bentley Systems applies information mobility to improve asset performance by leveraging information modeling through integrated projects for intelligent infrastructure. Its solutions encompass the MicroStation platform for infrastructure design and modeling, the ProjectWise platform for infrastructure project team collaboration and work sharing, and the AssetWise platform for infrastructure asset operations – all supporting a broad portfolio of interoperable applications and complemented by worldwide professional services. Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 3,000 colleagues in 50 countries, more than $500 million in annual revenues, and since 2003 has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions.
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).