NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that the Prospect Bridge in Houma has been temporarily opened to traffic.
The new bridge has remained closed to traffic pending the arrival of mechanical and electrical components needed to complete the project. DOTD personnel recently performed an inspection of the new bridge and determined that it could be safely opened to traffic until the contractor receives the new parts.
DOTD expects the new parts to arrive in the next six to seven weeks. Once received, the bridge will close to traffic for approximately one week while the parts are being installed and tested. The work will include replacing plugging switches on the upper machinery platforms, which act to reverse the main drive motors when the bridge deck is being lowered into place. This component of the bridge acts as a secondary braking system that helps the bridge deck lower gently into place.
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 930 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).