DOTD provides update on LA 3033 (Cheniere Lake Bridge) & spillway project in Ouachita Parish
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 3:41:08 PM

DOTD provides update on LA 3033 (Cheniere Lake Bridge) & spillway project in Ouachita Parish


The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development announces that work will soon resume on the LA 3033 (Cheniere Lake Bridge & Spillway) project in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish.

Construction on the $9.5 million project halted following an undermining and washout of the soil used to replace the dam where the original bridge and spillway were located.

After numerous site visits, soil sampling and analysis, and a detailed development of a plan for repairs, the contractor is set to mobilize during the week of April 10th, 2023.

In order to avoid additional delay and allow the project to move forward at the current Ouachita River level, a method of building a cofferdam using steel sheet piles to stabilize the area and ensure the integrity of the dam structure will be utilized.

A cofferdam is an enclosure built within a body of water to allow the enclosed area to be pumped out, creating a dry working environment so construction can be carried out safely.

Major elements of the project are complete, such as removing the old combined bridge and spillway, and replacing with two new separate structures. Once the project is complete, there will be fewer inconveniences to the traveling public during routine maintenance and other necessary work on the spillway. Cheniere Lake will continue to be managed by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.

At this time, the entire project is anticipated to be complete in late 2023, with progress dependent on weather conditions and Ouachita River levels.

Contact information:

Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Monroe District
(318) 549-8402
Erin.buchanan@la.gov