NEW ORLEANS, La. – Due to inclement weather, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces that the Judge Seeber (Claiborne Avenue) Bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic thru at least Labor Day weekend to continue cleaning and painting the west tower.

Since the closure began, rain has hampered the production of the project. Sandblasting has to be redone each time it rains as moisture gets into the containment area, causing the contractor to shut down operations and restart on the next clear day. Because of the weather delays, the contractor has completed only 25 percent of the work on the west tower. The contractor has already started preparations for east tower work.

DOTD will continue to evaluate the contractor’s progress during the closure to determine if additional time is needed or if limited access can be accommodated in the immediate future. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2013.

The contractor will continue to have the bridge in the “up” position to accommodate the required containment enclosures and construction equipment to perform this work. Motorists should use St. Claude and Florida Avenues as alternate routes.

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction zone and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

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 and 13,000 bridges, 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