LUFKIN, Texas — Today, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) celebrated the start of construction on the long-awaited U.S. 84 Sabine River Bridge replacement project. The $20.4 million project will construct a pair of one way, two-lane bridges to replace the current single structure built in 1936. At the event, held at the Dennis Freeman Memorial Park in Logansport, Louisiana, TxDOT and DOTD were joined by state and local elected officials from both states for a ceremonial groundbreaking.
"This is a great project for the local communities and all motorists who travel through the area because it will improve safety and mobility," said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III. "It is a long time coming and we’re thankful for the partnership with Louisiana to improve transportation for the citizens of both states."
The Sabine River Bridge connects Joaquin, Texas and Logansport, Louisiana. TxDOT and DOTD designed the project to provide a safe and efficient crossing of the Sabine River that meets current design and safety standards. The bridge currently serves approximately 12,500 motorists per day.
"We are grateful to Texas for overseeing the construction of this project," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "The Sabine River Bridge is an important connector for Louisiana and Texas, and its replacement will enhance safety for the nearly 12,500 motorists that use the bridge each day."
TxDOT and DOTD first began discussions on replacing the Sabine River Bridge in the 1980’s followed by multiple public meetings. Input from the public meetings and the alternative analysis were used in the development of the environmental assessment that selected the preferred alternative. The project was suspended several times due to lack of funding.
When completed, it will include two bridges, one for eastbound traffic and another for westbound traffic. These bridges will have two 12-foot lanes, a 10-foot outside shoulder and a four-foot inside shoulder. New eastbound lanes will run from approximately CR 3598 in Texas to LA 5 in Louisiana.
The local communities are glad to see the project finally realized.
"This project has been in the planning for twenty-five plus years, and our community is excited that it is finally becoming a reality," said Mayor Katherine Freeman of Logansport. "I feel that it will have a great economic impact on Logansport, Joaquin, and the surrounding area."
James Construction Group, L.L.C. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is the contractor and started work on the job this week. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016.