This morning KATC’s Abby Breidenbach is getting answers for residents living near the intersection of Kaliste Saloom and E Broussard Rd.
The concern from residents has been about a dam and it’s potential impact on a nearby coulee in the event of heavy rains in the area.
After hearing those concerns from neighbors near this construction site KATC went out to speak with the lead engineer on the project.
Lafayette Public Works engineer Mark Lavigne tells KATC that contractors told them that materials, manpower, and machinery would be needed to cross the coulee on a daily basis. The solution to that was to create a temporary dam that workers could use to cross the coulee as construction took place.
He had good news for residents in the area, saying that the dam which neighbors had been worried about had already been removed.
“This coulee crossing has actually been put into place and removed several times before. Maybe people haven’t noticed it before but it’s in case of the possibility of rainfall,” says Lavigne.
So though flooding is not 100 percent preventable, engineers on the project say they’re taking precautions to make sure construction won’t make things worse.
“I would assure people that we are taking extreme measures with this project to try and avoid any flooding that would take place because of any construction activities,” says Lavigne.
KATC relayed this information with neighbors after speaking with Lavigne, and they say they were happy to hear the good news. Engineers also say they will continue to monitor forecasts to make sure the dam is removed before any heavy rains come our way.
