DOTD Provides Update on Bayou Grosse Tete Bridge
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 9:12:38 AM
IBERVILLE PARISH, La- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces an update on the ongoing repair work for the Bayou Grosse Tete Bridge on LA 77 in Iberville Parish. Below are the key developments and next steps in the repair process:

Balance Wheel Tracks:
  • Four balance wheel tracks were removed to access damaged concrete.
  • These tracks will be re-installed after pouring new concrete, which is necessary before the bridge can be swung.
Concrete Repairs:
  • The damaged concrete on the pier has been removed.
  • Forming work is currently underway, with the concrete pour scheduled for August 14.
  • The new concrete will require a minimum of 5 days to cure.
Hydraulic Pressure Units (HPU):

Both the primary and secondary HPUs, along with their span cylinders, have been removed for inspection and repair.
  • Primary HPU:
  • Testing is scheduled for next week.

  • Secondary HPU:
  • Successfully pressure tested off-site, with no damage to the remaining piping.
  • Minor repairs on the associated cylinders are complete, and reassembly is in process.
  • This HPU and its six cylinders are crucial for driving the wedges that secure the bridge when it is closed.
  • Proper alignment of these components is necessary before the bridge can be jacked up to assess the bearings.
  • New brackets for the cylinders damaged by barge impact have been removed and new brackets have been submitted for approval.
Girder Heat Straightening:
  • Scheduled to begin next week and is expected to take approximately one week.
Next Steps:
  • After the concrete has cured, the secondary HPU is in place, balance wheel tracks are re-installed, and heat straightening is complete, the bridge will be manually closed and jacked up to assess the bearings that are currently not visible.

Iberville Parish Government has opened a pedestrian ferry to assist the community. The operating hours for the pedestrian ferry are 4:00 AM-8:00 AM, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM-8:00 PM seven days a week. For more information on the pedestrian ferry, including pick-up and drop-off locations, please contact Iberville Parish Government at 225-687-5190 or visit https://ibervilleparish.com.

DOTD appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we work diligently to complete these repairs.