DOTD reopens La. 77 Bridge in Iberville Parish ahead of schedule
Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 7:01:52 AM
DOTD reopens La. 77 Bridge in Iberville Parish ahead of schedule
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced today that the La. 77 bridge over the Intracoastal Canal in Iberville Parish was reopened to traffic this morning at 5 a.m. – approximately 45 days earlier than originally projected.
The bridge has been closed to traffic since Friday, February 28, after it was heavily damaged by a barge strike. DOTD entered into an emergency contract with C.E.C. Contractors of Lafayette to repair the bridge. The $900 thousand repair project began on March 12.
“I am pleased that we are reopening this important bridge to traffic much earlier than expected,” said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. “I’d like to thank the contractor, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Iberville Parish officials for working with DOTD over the past few months to minimize the impacts this bridge closure had on local residents.”
During the bridge closure, DOTD, LDWF and Iberville Parish officials successfully partnered to operate a service to transport pedestrians via pontoon boat. Approximately 15,000 people have used the service since it began.
LDWF Secretary Robert Barham said, “I am proud that LDWF was able to assist DOTD and Iberville Parish officials in lessening the impacts to residents affected by the bridge closure. This is a great example of positive outcomes that can occur when agencies work together.”
Iberville Parish President J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr. added, “I appreciate DOTD’s diligent efforts in reopening the bridge since this bridge is an important lifeline for the 1,400 drivers who use it each day. I want to also thank LDWF for their assistance in providing the pedestrian ferry. The cooperation between the Iberville Parish Council, DOTD, LDWF and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office was essential in making the pedestrian ferry a success.”
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.
Additionally, motorists can utilize the new "Way to Geaux" application to receive real-time, around-the-clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free smartphone application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.
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www.dotd.la.gov