Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has provided an update on the construction projects involving the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge and the LA 20 widening in St. James Parish. These projects aim to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance safety for residents.

For the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge, DOTD reports that crews will soon install guardrails, conduct striping, and perform a comprehensive bridge inspection following the recent completion of the south approach slab. Road tie-ins are expected to commence within two to three weeks. Weather permitting, phased openings of the bridge are planned by mid-March. Once traffic is fully transitioned onto the new structure, dismantling of the temporary bridge will begin. The project is anticipated to be completed by early summer 2025.

Concurrently, progress continues on the LA 20 widening project. Crews are currently installing a stone base from South Vacherie to the Bayou Chevreuil Bridge. After this phase, asphalt will be laid to widen this section and bring it up to grade. Construction is also set to start on a flat bridge at the St. James/Lafourche Parish line, which involves driving piles and expanding towards the swamp side. Traffic will be redirected onto this new bridge once completed while replacing the existing one continues through 2025.

Later phases of work extending into 2026 include further widening between Bayou Chevreuil Bridge and Lafourche end with stone placement followed by asphalt application. The entire project is slated for completion in summer 2026.

DOTD expressed gratitude for community patience and support as these important infrastructure developments proceed, promising continued updates on their progress.