As summer approaches, the John James Audubon Bridge Project continues with significant progress in all phases of construction. The two towers currently reach 400 feet above the mighty Mississippi River with the construction of the lower cross beams well underway. Since the last blog, these towers have doubled in height allowing a distant view all the way to downtown Baton Rouge on a clear day! They still have approximately 120 feet to climb making them comparable to the Big Cajun II smokestacks.
The towers are not the only element of the main span beginning to form. Recently, the first sections of bridge deck have been placed providing the first perspective of where vehicles will drive. In addition, the first stay cables, the defining feature of a cable-stayed bridge, have been installed. The shape of a premier, world-class bridge now is coming into focus.
The approach roadways and other bridges on the Project also are moving forward. Two layers of asphalt already have been placed from U.S. 61 to the low- and high-level approaches. Paving has begun on the west approach roadways with significant development on the new Delta Road configuration.
The entire project will continue to experience leaps and bounds throughout the summer. Check back periodically in the photo gallery to see pictures of the construction. Also, don’t forget to check out the three web cams to track the Audubon Bridge’s main-span development.