Permanent striping complete on LA 20, Bayou Chevreuil bridge
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 8:57:54 AM
ST. JAMES PARISH – The Department of Transportation and Development celebrated a milestone today as crews completed the final striping of the LA 20, Bayou Chevreuil Bridge, which connects LaFourche and St. James parishes. The heavily traveled bridge is a key connector between the Mississippi River industrial corridor and the Houma-Thibodaux area.
The new bridge has two 12-foot travel lanes and two 8-foot outside shoulders for an overall of 40-foot of roadway. The project was bid in 2020 at $11.6 million.
The project was delayed when the original contractor defaulted. JB James Construction took over in early 2024 and the project is significantly completed.
“While it took longer than expected, it is still a great day to see this milestone,” said DOTD Area Engineer Aaron Elisar, who has been a part of this project since its origins. “This bridge is safer, it’s wider and will better handle the freight traffic that regularly crosses.”
“Today marks a significant step forward for our communities. This vital connection between LaFourche and St. James parishes not only enhances safety but also supports our growing economy. I applaud the hard work of everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition, and I am excited to see how it will serve our residents for years to come,” said Rep. Ken Brass.
“I am extremely excited that we have completed the first phase of improving the La. 20 highway between St. James and Lafourche Parishes by completing the replacement of the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge. Thanks to DOTD for overseeing the project and all those who were involved with the project,” said Sen. Ed Price.
Currently, there are more than 9,000 motorists who travel this bridge daily. By 2039, this is projected to increase to over 13,000 vehicles. This bridge replacement was needed in order to move forward with a safety improvement project to widen LA 20 approximately three miles in St. James and Lafourche parishes.
“Our top priority is public safety, and this bridge replacement significantly improves the safety for all our St. James, Lafourche, and Terrebonne parish residents. It will help tremendously in the future for the North South Evacuation Corridor. I would like to thank Senator Ed Price, Representative Ken Brass, and the members of the Highway 20 Task Force for initiating this project and seeing it to fruition,” Peter Dufrense, St. James Parish President.
“With this major infrastructure improvement to the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge, our residents and visitors of Lafourche Parish now have a safer way to travel in and out of the parish. We look forward to the full completion of the LA 20 Widening project,” said Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson, III.
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