NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that the Leeville Bridge at La.1 was named No. 6 on Roads and Bridges Magazine’s list of Top 10 U.S. Bridges for the year 2012, in its November issue.

“We are so proud to be recognized by Roads and Bridges Magazine for such a critical project as the Leeville Bridge,” said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. “Not only did we improve access and safety for the residents and our industry partners in lower Lafourche Parish, and the barrier island of Grand Isle, but we ensured the continued national economic significance and regional viability of La. 1.”

Phase 1 of the $139 million La. 1 Improvement Project, extending from the Gulf of Mexico in Port Fourchon to Leeville, was completed in December 2011. The project built a 5.4 mile two-lane elevated highway. The new road replaced the old La. 1, which was also a two-lane road that carried more than 1,000 large trucks a day and was prone to flooding because of subsidence and coastal erosion. Prior to construction, there was no alternative access road to transport supplies to Fourchon from inland locations.

La. 1 serves as the sole evacuation route for lower Lafourche Parish and the barrier island of Grand Isle. It also is the only access route to Port Fourchon, the nation’s premier intermodal energy port, and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, the nation’s only offshore oil port. It was designated as a high-priority corridor by the U.S. Congress based on its critical energy infrastructure.

The design consultant on the project was CDM Smith and contractor James Construction Co. began work on the project in March 2007. The total project, which was divided into three phases, was part of the effort to elevate the lowest part of La. 1 in order to prevent flooding. Phases 1B and 1C were completed in July of 2009, which comprised the Leeville Bridge – for a total construction investment including the newly-completed section of $375 million.

“It was an extremely satisfying and rewarding project for us at CDM Smith,” said William Huffstetler, who serves as vice president in their Transportation Division and was their project manager. “We appreciate the hard work put in by the DOTD and James Construction staffs.”

“James Construction Group believes the collaborative effort with DOTD and CDM Smith personnel was the key ingredient to making this a successful partnership,” said Rodney James – Vice President of Operations.

The LA 1 Coalition has been a steady advocate for construction of the La. 1 Expressway. Plans for Phase 2, segments A-C, are already underway and will extend an additional nine miles of elevated roadway from Leeville to Golden Meadow. Phase 2 is estimated to cost approximately $320 million.

The article in its entirety can be viewed at this link, http://www.roadsbridges.com/sites/default/files/18_Top10Bridges_R&B1112_3.pdf.

Roads and Bridges Magazine is a 103-year old trade publication covering the transportation construction and maintenance marketplace, reaching over 60,000 subscribers monthly through its print editions and 36,000 + online subscribers through its weekly E-Newsletter.

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).

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www.dotd.la.gov