DOTD continues to encourage public to “Pick the Paint”
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 9:53:28 AM
BOSSIER CITY, La.—On Friday, March 7th, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development launched “Pick the Paint”, a campaign encouraging the public to select the new paint color for the Jimmie Davis Bridge.  The public has until May 2nd to determine the new color of the bridge. 
 
Currently, DOTD has received over 2,700 votes from the public.  With over 34% of the vote, purple is in the lead with blue and red following behind.  “Pick the Paint” is part of a project to rehabilitate the Jimmie Davis Bridge.  The rehabilitation project, which is scheduled to go to bid this fall, will involve re-decking, performing structural repairs, installing lighting and painting the bridge. 
 
The rehabilitation will improve ride quality and extend the life of bridge. 
 
In addition to rehabilitating the existing bridge, there is an ongoing Environmental Assessment that is being performed.  In August 2013, a public meeting was held to discuss proposed upgrades to increase vehicle capacity of the bridge by providing 4 traffic lanes and a bicycle/pedestrian trail connection across the Red River.  The options presented to the public included either replacing or adding another bridge structure.  Results of the Environmental Assessment are expected to be available to the public in summer 2014, at which time another public meeting will be scheduled to present the findings. 
 
Bids for the Jimmie Davis Bridge rehabilitation project will be taken in October 2014.  Work on the bridge is expected to begin shortly thereafter and will take approximately one year to complete.  DOTD will make every attempt to accelerate the letting date and construction activities, where feasible.  Once started, a complete closure of the bridge will be necessary for crews to safely and quickly perform the work.
 
The Jimmie Davis Bridge was built in 1968 and will cost an estimated $15-$20 million to rehabilitate.  The bridge serves approximately 29,000 motorists per day. 
 
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