After a barge struck the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge in June, causing significant damage to the structure, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is expected to begin repairs next month.
The strike damaged the bridge’s pontoon barge, support pilings, mechanical apron components and bridge decks, according to a DOTD press release.
The bridge along LA-384 in Calcasieu Parish has been closed since the June 22 barge strike, and construction activities are expected to continue through spring 2028.
Though construction is not slated to begin until mid-October, the agency has made significant progress on the planning, funding, environmental and engineering requirements needed before the field work can begin, the press release states.
DOTD has secured three emergency declarations that will provide $17 million in total funding for bridge repairs. The agency has also completed the required Section 106 review under the National Historic Preservation Act, which addresses potential impacts to historic properties.
Repair plans and engineering work are underway, and the contractor’s repair schedule, cost estimate and information on materials and subcontractor have been submitted to DOTD.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved DOTD’s use of federal emergency relief funding for the repair project, which will support substantial costs associated with restoring the bridge. DOTD will continue coordinating with FHWA as the project advances through the remaining steps ahead of construction, the press release states.
DOTD will continue to release information to the public as the project moves toward construction. Any significant changes to the schedule will be communicated.
Source: DOTD
