As 2009 drew to a fast close, we can take the time to reflect on what was accomplished and what the new year has in store.
2009 Major Milestones
24/7/60 Lane Closure (January 2009). In January 2009 the outside barrier of the 75 year old bridge was removed and replaced thus reducing traffic to one lane. This closure began on the eastbound side and lasted 30 days before moving to the westbound side. The one lane restriction was completed at the end on March 26 — five days ahead of schedule.
Substructure work completed (May 2009). Phase I—strengthening of the piers— was completed at the end of May. For this phase, four land piers and one land pier were strengthened by reinforcing them with structural steel and filling the void sections of the piers with concrete. Also, w-shaped metal struts were anchored to the top sections of the piers to support the existing truss and the additional truss sections.
Huey P. gets social (September 2009). In September, the Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project joined Facebook and Twitter. Since joining these popular sites, a good number of followers have joined its Fan Page and Group Page. Twitter has emerged as an additional informational tool for lane closures and traffic impacts. With 526 followers between both outlets, drivers are able to stay up-to-date.
Steel installation began on West Bank Anchor Span (November 2009). Early in November the placement of the first two bottom chord members kicked off the steel installation of the West Bank Anchor Span. The installation of this 538-member span is estimated to be completed by May 2010.
Westbank roadway work took shape (December 2009). The intersection of LA 18 and US 90 began its second phase of construction. Traffic has been directed to the newly paved sections of LA 18 while construction continues. Once completed, traffic will shift to the newly repaved section until the future westbound US 90 roadway tie-in is ready. Also, work on the widening of Bridge City Avenue has progressed as paving on the left side of the westbound section began.
2010 Upcoming Construction
East Bank substructure work begins. Pile driving began in preparation for the footings that will support the substructure work– columns, trumpets and caps– as the approaches on the East Bank takes shape. The formation of the columns is estimated to begin in late January.
West Bank approaches to be completed. The eastbound roadway surface of the bridge, also known as the deck, is estimated to be completed at the end of March. Once done, deck construction will move to the westbound side and will be finished by the end of the year.
Jefferson Highway overpass demolition. The work originally slated to occur last year has been rescheduled for the 2nd quarter of 2010. With the overpass gone, traffic will be forced to run at ground level and u-turns located on Jefferson Highway and Clearview will be utilized to aid traffic flow at this intersection.
West Bank Anchor Span steel installation ends. The completion of this span is scheduled to be completed by May. To date, more than 30 members have been installed on the upstream side. Installation on the downstream side will begin in January.
Span-by-span steel installation begins. Concurrently while stick-building the West Bank Anchor Span continues, preparation for span-by-span steel installation has started. At this time the barges are being prepared, the lifting towers are being assembled and the installation of the stability frames has begun. The span-by-span construction is scheduled for May and will entail a preassembled truss section to be transported on barges to an area under the bridge and hoisted it into position using strand jacks.