DOTD lifts restriction of truck traffic on O.K. Allen Bridge in Rapides Parish
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 3:01:54 PM
With the recent shift of two-way traffic from the O.K. Allen Bridge to the new Curtis-Coleman Bridge, the following restriction to truck traffic has been lifted.
Alexandria, LA – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced the restriction of all truck traffic on the O.K. Allen Bridge on U.S. 71 in Rapides Parish beginning Tuesday, August 19.
The restriction has been put in place to help with enforcement of the current load posting in effect on the bridge. The detour for all trucks will be U.S. 167 Pineville Expressway (Purple Heart Bridge).
“Our top priority at DOTD is the safety of the traveling public,” said District Engineer Administrator Murphy Ledoux. “This measure will allow us to ensure the safety of motorists and maintain the integrity of the O.K. Allen Bridge until the new bridge is opened to traffic.”
DOTD crews will begin posting signs notifying truck traffic of the restriction Tuesday, August 19.
Built in 1936, the O.K. Allen Bridge is being replaced with a new bridge which is currently under construction. This $82.9 million project involves increasing capacity of the bridge and its approaches from two to four lanes. At this time, the Department estimates having two-way traffic traveling on the northbound structure by early 2015 until the completion of the southbound structure in summer 2016.
Deidra Druilhet
Public Information Officer
Office: 337-262-6133
Department of Transportation and Development