The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced its plans to repair the Interstate 10 eastbound overpass at Interstate 49.
“After extensive planning with our consultant team, we have determined the best course of action to repair the I-10 overpass,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson. “Our optimal goal is safety. With this action plan, not only will we be able to ensure the safety of the traveling public, but we are also able address the repairs expediently without extended interruption to traffic.”
The impact to the overpass resulted in catastrophic damage to three out of eight girders on the eastbound bridge deck. Repairs will take place in two phases.
PHASE ONE – EXTRACTION
The initial phase of the project includes removing the damaged section of the I-10 overpass structure utilizing self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT’s) to minimize the duration of impacts to the travelling public.
An SPMT is a specialized heavy haul trailer unit fitted with a large assortment of wheels. It also has the capability to perform hydraulic function, and is used for transporting massive objects such as large bridge sections.
The new girders and bridge deck will be fabricated at an off-site location. This process is estimated to be completed in a few months.
While the new bridge components are being prepared, existing concrete barriers will be shifted to allow two lanes of traffic to operate on Interstate 10 eastbound. Under this temporary configuration, eastbound traffic will travel on two-11 foot lanes with a one foot shoulder.
During this time, the following closures will remain in place.
- Interstate 10 eastbound overpass auxiliary lane (deceleration/acceleration lane)
- Inside lane of Interstate 49 northbound
- I-49 northbound exit ramp from I-10 (Exit 103B)
- I-10 eastbound on-ramp from I-49 (Exit 1A)
PHASE TWO – REPLACEMENT
Phase two of the project includes the final removal of necessary bridge components and installing the newly constructed girders and bridge deck. Once the last girder is removed, crews will once again utilize SPMT’s to lift the new girders and bridge deck piece into place. After all pieces are securely in place, a concrete closure pour will be performed to tie-in all new components to the existing bridge overpass.
The emergency contractors for this project are Lafayette based Huval & Associates, Inc. (design) and C.E.C., Inc. (construction).
The first phase of work is estimated to take place January 20 – 22, 2023. At times, both phases will require a full closure of Interstate 10 eastbound and Interstate 49 northbound at the overpass to complete the necessary work.
Details regarding traffic detours will be sent prior to the closure.
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