LA 39 (Claiborne Avenue): Judge Seeber Bridge Cleaning and Painting – State Project No. H.001200

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces an update on the project to clean and paint the Judge Seeber (Claiborne Avenue) Bridge, a $4.8 million preservation project.

Currently, the west tower is near completion with the contractor completing blasting and applying both the prime and intermediate coats of paint. Application of the final coat of paint was started on Monday, Oct. 14. Blasting has also been completed on the east tower and the contractor will be completing the prime coat of paint as well as starting the intermediate coat this week. The contractor has completed tarp installation on the lift span and blasting operations are scheduled to begin Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Over the next few weeks, remaining work the contractor will perform includes blasting and painting the counterweight and balance chain (west tower); final coat of paint, blasting and painting counterweight and balance chain (east tower); and applying the intermediate coat and final coats of paint to the lift span.

The contractor has been working daily since August 2, 2013. Early into the project, it was significantly impacted by rain, which delayed work estimated for completion during the first closure of the towers.  At the end of August, a new estimated reopen date of mid-October was announced. Since then, the contractor has lost nearly three weeks due to inclement weather including Tropical Storm Karen. Once it rains, work is either halted or has to be redone to accommodate the paint application and drying process. With a work force of 30 plus on the project, crews are working 12-15 hours per day, on clear days. 

Barring further inclement weather, the bridge is now projected to reopen to traffic in early November. The contractor would still have work to perform, so lane closures would be required for about six weeks after that.

DOTD continues to meet twice a week with the contractor, the design consultant, and the inspection consultants to assure project progress.

The bridge is currently in the “up” position and closed to vehicular traffic, with marine traffic passing through. Detours are the St. Claude and Florida Avenue Bridges.

As a reminder, all planned construction activities are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the public’s continued patience and reminds motorists to please drive with caution through the construction zone and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

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www.dotd.la.gov