Construction completed on Audubon Bridge

March 12, 2012

Construction on the John James Audubon Bridge came to a close late last month when the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) completed the new Mississippi River crossing—the longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere—on time using an innovative contract tool.

 

The main span, 1,583 ft long, is located on Louisiana 10 connecting West Feliciana Parish with Pointe Coupee Parish. It is the only bridge between Baton Rouge and Natchez, Miss.

 

Construction on the John James Audubon Bridge came to a close late last month when the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) completed the new Mississippi River crossing—the longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere—on time using an innovative contract tool.

The main span, 1,583 ft long, is located on Louisiana 10 connecting West Feliciana Parish with Pointe Coupee Parish. It is the only bridge between Baton Rouge and Natchez, Miss.

Construction on the $409 million project began in 2006. The bridge was opened to vehicle traffic in May 2011, replacing the old St. Francisville Ferry, but finishing touches continued until last month.

"Although the Audubon Bridge has been open to traffic for nine months, it's with a great sense of accomplishment that we are announcing the end of construction on this beautiful structure," LaDOTD Secretary Sherri LeBas said in a statement. "The completion of this bridge opens economic development in south-central Louisiana and will be a source of regional, statewide and national pride."

Work was officially completed with the installation of the navigational clearance gauges, markers that indicate the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the bridge span in the navigational channel.

The bridge, built under the first design-build contract in Louisiana DOTD history, was part of the Louisiana TIMED Program. It was constructed by Audubon Bridge Constructors, a joint venture of Flatiron Corp., Granite Construction and Parsons Transportation Group.

"Crews have done a first-class job on this bridge and its approach roadways," Louisiana TIMED Program Director Stephen Spohrer said in a statement. “With a 100-year life span, the Audubon Bridge will open the doors for commerce and travel for generations to come."

Louisiana's newest bridge is named after John James Audubon (1785-1851), one of the world's most renowned naturalist artists, who dedicated his life to painting all of the birds in America. Audubon painted 32 of his famous works in his "Birds of America" series while residing at Oakley Plantation in St. Francisville.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...