Louisiana is expected to receive $1 billion in funding to improve the conditions of bridges across the state.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the funds are a part of the Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, Preservation, Protection, and Construction Program.
A total of $26.5 billion will be provided to states over five years and $825 million to Tribal transportation facilities to repair 15,000 bridges.
DOT says the program is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system.
In Louisiana, funding is set to improve the conditions of around 1,630 bridges in poor condition and preserve and improve about 5,040 bridges in fair condition in the state.
$202.6 million is expected to be allocated in the 2022 fiscal year. The funding is available to improve approximately 400 bridges in need of repair or replacement throughout the state.
“Louisiana will be well served by this program, as our funding needs for infrastructure projects are immense,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “I applaud the Biden administration for seeing the transportation needs of our nation, and state, by launching this investment program that will greatly aid our communities. Bridge closures or weight restrictions severely hinder our agriculture, manufacturing and service industries, as well a public transit, commuter travel and school bus routes. Limiting closures will provide a better overall quality of life to our residents, motorists and businesses.”
The state says Louisiana has the third largest bridge infrastructure in the nation when the number of bridges and bridge size is accounted for. Currently, there are 7,846 state owned bridges, with 795 needing major rehabilitation or replacement, and 4,736 locally owned bridges, with 793 in need of rehabilitation or replacement.
"The Biden-Harris Administration is thrilled to launch this program to fix thousands of bridges across the country – the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Modernizing America's bridges will help improve safety, support economic growth and make people's lives better in every part of the country – in rural, suburban, city, and tribal communities."
See a breakdown of bridge funding by state, here.
Some of the bridges projects in Louisiana that will advance this year due to this funding include:
- LA 531 over I-20 Bridge Replacement in Webster Parish
- I-10 over US & Missouri Pacific RR in Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis Parishes
- Jimmie Davis Bridge Replacement in Caddo Parish
- US90Z – Harvey Canal Tunnel Rehabilitation in Jefferson Parish
- I-10 Sabine River Bridges Rehabilitation in Calcasieu Parish
- I-20 Orange Street Overpass Repair in Ouachita Parish
- US 61 Jefferson Highway Overpass Repair in East Baton Rouge Parish
- LA 47 Intracoastal Waterway Gulf Outlet Bridge Rehabilitation in Orleans Parish
- LA 485 Bridges near Allen Louisiana (Natchitoches Parish)
- LA 835 Creek Bridges in Morehouse Parish
- LA 121 over the Calcasieu River in Rapides Parish
- LA 182 over Berwick Bay Bridge Rehabilitation in St. Mary Parish
- US 51 over the Yellow Water River in Tangipahoa Parish
- LA 1183 over Turner Canal in Avoyelles Parish
- LA 1226 over Bayou Chevreuille in Natchitoches Parish
- LA 961 over Sandy Creek in East Feliciana Parish
- LA 404 Bayou and Canal Bridges in Iberville Parish
For a full map of bridges, click here.
Senator Bill Cassidry released the following statement on the announcement:
“Our bridges have been in desperate need of repair for decades. Today we take a giant step to secure the future of Louisiana infrastructure. When we listen to the needs of our state, we can deliver results that benefit all. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill, a bridge is coming to a river near you,” said Dr. Cassidy.
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