My Huey P.

National Work Zones Awareness Week 2010 Focuses on Inattentive Driving Around Work Zones

2010-03-31T16:52:16.1190000+01:00

Each year in April, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) helps bring national attention to safety issues of workers and motorists around work zones. Since its conception in 1999, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in conjunction with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) have worked together to coordinate and sponsor this yearly event. Eleven-years later, transportation partners have joined the effort to support NWZAW. In addition to a national event conducted each year, many states host their own NWZAW events.

Each year a theme is chosen to help bring awareness to existing issues. This year’s theme is “Work Zones Need Your Undivided Attention" and it will kick-off on April 19 at Battery Park in New York City. This theme echoes the national efforts to end the dangerous practice of distracted or inattentive driving on our nation’s roadway.

So, what is distracted driving? Distracted driving is defined as a non-driving activity that has the potential for distraction from the task of driving thus increasing the risk of crashing. The three main types of distraction are:

Visual — taking your eyes off the road
Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Among the most common distracting activities are:

Using a cell phone
Eating and drinking
Grooming
Talking to passengers
Reading, including maps
Using PDA or navigation systems
Watching a video

Work zones, by their nature, require more attention than a normal roadway system. When driving through an active work zone, remember that an attentive driver is a safe driver. Here are ways you can remain focused and keep others safe:

Set your phone to mute
If you need to talk or text, pull over to a safe location and park your vehicle
If you call and reach someone who is driving, ask that they call you when it is safe to do so
If you’re in a car with someone who is driving, ask them to put the distraction away until it is safe
When driving, be sure to devote your time to the task at hand – this is not the time to multi-task.
Be a defensive driver by anticipating dangerous situations caused by adverse conditions or incompetent drivers
Help spread the word about distracted driving

On April 19, make it a point to make work zone safety a year-round goal by remembering that work zone safety protects not only the people who repair and build our roads but also those who drive on them.

Here a list of additional information to help keep the cause alive:

Download the 2010 NWZAW poster

GeauxOrange.com commemorates 2010 NWZAW

View a short video about National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week on You Tube

Distraction.gov – The official U.S. Government Website for distracted driving

National Safety Council - A non-profit, non-governmental public service organization dedicated to protect life and promote health in the United States.

Oprah’s No Text Campaign

Revisiting 2009, Looking Ahead at 2010

2010-01-19T22:46:18.5280000-00:00

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 2^nd 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.

Steel Installation Begins Transformation on the Huey P. Long Bridge

2009-12-03T17:09:30.9220000-00:00

As I came in to work the morning of November 3, I was notified of the day’s event – the first steel installation. Around 11 a.m. I got in the car, drove to the West Bank and stood on the levee to grab a front row seat for the spectacle. The significance of the event did not escape me. As I was standing there watching I thought “this is a historic event and I am here to watch it happen”.

The upstream of the West Bank Anchor Span was the first of the four spans on the Huey P. Long Bridge to receive the new truss additions. Steel is being installed using the stick-built method, meaning each member will be placed individually on the span. A preassembled section made out of two bottom chord members and some temporary members used for bracing, were the first scheduled for installation. Placed on a barge strategically located on the upstream side of the West Bank Anchor Span, the members awaited the significant first lift. The two bottom chord members measured approximately 158 feet long.

Barge carrying bottom chord members and bracing support waiting for the lift.

Steel section being lifted from barge.

Once the steel was prepared for lifting it was gradually hoisted. A crane was used for the lifting and crew members located on the barge, the pier and the falsework helped maneuver the steel into place. The process seemed effortless. After the steel was placed in its final position, an 18-inch pin was used to secure the knuckle.

Crew members maneuvering bottom chord into the knuckle.

Crew member placing the 18-inch pin to secure bottom chord member.

As of November 30, more than 20 members on the West Bank Anchor Span have been installed. Installation on the downstream side of this span will begin soon. The ongoing progression can be monitored in two ways:

Steel Installation Photo Diary: A photo diary was created and can be viewed online depicting the visual documentation of the bridge transformation.

HPL Construction Web Camera: The HPL West Bank web camera, one of six cameras accessible from the project website, provides a great view of the upstream side of West Bank Anchor Span. It provides the most up-to-date view of the installation work on the West Bank side of the bridge.

The installation of the West Bank Anchor Span is estimated to be completed in May 2010. The remaining three spans will be done using the span-by-span method.

Social Networking with the Huey P. Long Bridge

2009-09-28T18:31:34.3640000+01:00

For all social networkers out there, you can now follow the Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project! We have joined two of the most popular social networking websites, Facebook and Twitter.

By embracing these new communications channels, Facebook and Twitter will improve our accessibility and connectivity. These Web sites provide an opportunity not only to connect with individuals but also groups and organizations that benefit from and are affected by the project.

In the past, we have relied on more traditional communication vehicles such as community meetings, direct mail campaigns, e-mail notifications and word-of-mouth. These have worked successfully, but tapping into social networking sites extends our reach to a wider audience and allows the public to target the information that they want while on-the-go.

We are particularly excited about the opportunities that Twitter offers. These short text-based messages will work perfectly for bridge closure updates during the steel truss installation process. Because the closures will occur at non-specified times during the day, Twitter will help with the challenge of following the process and planning for the closures. Twitter is a useful, easy and efficient solution. A tweet can be posted as a bridge closure happens and as the bridge re-opens to traffic.

We are very excited about the communication improvements these new social networking sites bring to the table. For all who are on the social networking scene, we hope you join and pass along the Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project sites to your friends and followers.

Join us on Facebook:

Fan Page

Group Page

The Science of Concrete

2009-08-07T14:54:30.4730000+01:00

I have always thought of concrete simply as construction material, but the first on-ramp deck pour in May changed my perception. Through the fist paving, I learned a little about the complex process and behavior of concrete.

The Concrete Mix

Obviously, it all starts with the concrete mix. There are many types of concrete mixes available. The mix design used is determined specifically by the requirements of a project and the various local building codes and regulations.

Mixing, Workability & Curing

Concrete production has three important processes: proper mixing, workability and curing. Proper mixing is essential since it yields a homogeneous mix.

Workability refers to the ability of the concrete mix to properly fill the form/mold. This process guarantees quality control and consistency. Once the concrete is placed in the form, it is leveled and smoothed out. Once it sets, it is ready for the curing process.

Curing requires moisture and temperature control. It’s moisture that helps develop the needed physical and chemical properties in the concrete. Hydration is critical because improper hydration can lead to a porous weak product. Temperature control is achieved by placing canvas blankets over the concrete. From this point, it takes approximately 10 days for the concrete to cure.

The End Product

Since the first on-ramp deck pour in May, two more have followed. The latest on-ramp concrete pour was done on July 30^th and it’s currently in its curing stage. With three on-ramp deck pours completed, the science behind the precise preparation and care of concrete has become evident. I can honestly say, I will never see concrete the same way again!

Making and Preserving History

2009-02-19T22:14:58.7440000-00:00

It was built during the year of the Dust Bowl and New Deal. The year when Babe Ruth hit his 714^th home run and the Parker Brothers first released the Monopoly board game. That narrow, white-knuckle drive we call the Huey P. Long Bridge was completed in December 1935 -- more than 73 years ago.

Rich with historical significance, the Huey P. Long Bridge is undergoing a momentous change. And with change comes the opportunity to preserve the past.

The bridge widening project will widen the existing bridge from two 9-foot lanes to three 11-foot lanes with a 2-foot inside and 8-foot outside shoulder – a widening of about 25 feet in both the eastbound and westbound directions. The project will also improve the roadways leading up to the bridge – eliminating the West Bank traffic circle and traffic shift at Jefferson Highway and replacing both with signalized intersections. The Jefferson Highway overpass will also be eliminated and traffic will be diverted to ground level roadway. The exits and approaches of the bridge are also changing to allow traffic to move more smoothly.

The approaches have recently affected another piece of history – the New Orleans Public Belt Administration Building at the East Bank approach of the bridge. This structure served at various times as an office for elements of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, Mississippi River Bridge Authority Police (now called the Crescent City Connection Police), Causeway Police Huey P. Long Unit, Louisiana Department of Highways Project Engineer's office and State Police Troop B.

The Art Deco-style building dripping with local history was recently demolished to make way for the new bridge approaches. But before it was torn down, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad removed all of the historical elements of the interior of the building. The cornerstone and unique façade of the building have been preserved with the help of a historian. These elements will be incorporated into the architecture of the new railroad building being constructed a few miles from the original.

While some things may change to make way for the innovations of the future, it’s nice to know the past isn’t always lost.

The former New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Administration Building with the facade removed -- and waiting for demolition.

They call it "the dance floor"

2008-08-06T21:53:07.9910000+01:00

Work platform minimizes lane closures, makes contractor access easier

It’s big. It’s yellow. And they call it “the dance floor.” It’s a massive platform hung beneath the floor beam of the bridge to give construction workers access to tight areas below the bridge deck and to store large pieces of equipment.

To minimize roadway and river closures, Phase III contractors, MTI, (http://www.timedla.com/upload/files/news/HPL%20Phase%20III%20Awarded_081707.pdf) have been installing the platform since late April. The platform allows MTI access to perform some work below the bridge rather than on the roadway. This will help minimize the need to close bridge lanes to work in certain areas. Certain activities will still require intermittent lane closures, but the work platform helps to decrease the quantity and duration of the lane closures.

The dance floor is being assembled on the ground and on barges. Once complete, they are lifted by cranes onto hanger brackets secured to the underside of the roadway. Once installation is complete, the platform will extend from the land pier on the West Bank to Pier 4, the river pier closest to the East Bank.

Workers and inspectors access the platform by climbing a tall stair tower. Heavy, large construction items are lifted onto the platform by cranes situated on barges in the river. Once on the platform, workers have safe access to the floor beam and tight areas.

Take a look around the bridge widening project’s Web site (www.hueypbridge.com) and you’ll notice something… the enormous size and scope of this project. It is no small undertaking. And one of the most complex elements of the bridge project is scheduling. The bridge is the longest railroad bridge in the United States , and is one of the three primary Mississippi River crossings in the Greater New Orleans area.

Throughout the length of the project, contractors are challenged with the task of maintaining river, rail and vehicular traffic with little to no interruption. Each type of traffic requires the contractors to comply with different restrictions and governing bodies, such as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (http://www.dotd.state.la.us/), the U.S. Coast Guard (http://www.uscg.mil/d8/sectLMR/) and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (http://www.nopb.com/nopb/).

To view more photos of the dance floor and other phases of construction, visit our Photo Gallery (http://timedla.com/gallery/album.asp?album_id=68).

Exploring Engineering with the Girl Scouts

2008-05-30T03:20:32.3800000+01:00

The Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project Hosts "TIMED 2 Explore Engineering" event for local Girl Scouts

On the levee just underneath the approaches of the Huey P. Long Bridge, 35 Southeast Louisiana Council Girl Scouts made a “human bridge” and felt the forces of tension and compression in action. They tried on safety gear and interacted with two female engineers – one of which who works on the Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project.

The Saturday afternoon event was part of a larger effort, the Louisiana TIMED Program’s TIMED 2 Explore Engineering, encouraging Louisiana youth to pursue engineering careers and discover the engineering and construction projects in their communities.

A 2005 study by the American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and WGBH Educational Foundation found that most teens and pre-teens perceived engineering as man’s profession and there is little to no encouragement for girls to consider engineering. The same study found that, “Career influencers, including educators, are not familiar with how to guide students toward engineering. The positive stories about engineering are not being told to this audience.”

When young girls discover the fun side of science and engineering, they’re more likely to consider it as a career choice. Despite the strides female engineers have made in the past few decades, women are still underrepresented in science, math and engineering careers.

It is with those findings in mind that the Huey P. Long public outreach office hosted the hands-on event. As the girls stood underneath the shadow of the bridge, they were overwhelmed by the enormous size and scope of the bridge. They learned how the widening project would affect the bridge and they used critical thinking skills to put themselves in the shoes of engineers. The girls learned that engineers do more than just math problems or sit in a lab – many often work in the field on the projects they support. The girls were able to see, touch and try on safety equipment that engineers use when climbing on the Huey P. Long Bridge.

Although it wasn’t your typical Memorial Weekend activity, the girls didn’t seem to mind learning a bit of science, engineering and career skills during their holiday weekend.

Geaux Orange: Drive Safe on the Huey

2008-04-10T22:35:54.8920000+01:00

Did you know since 1992, there have been 166 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana work zones? Nationally, over the last 10 years, the annual number of persons killed in motor vehicle crashes in work zones has increased 45 percent. More than 40,000 people are injured each year as a result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones.

With the recent lane closures on the Huey P. Long Bridge, and the lane closures that are still to come, what better time than now to promote safe driving in work zones?

This week is National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. In recognition of this important cause, we’ve launched “Geaux Orange: Drive Safe on the Huey”. “Geaux Orange” reminds motorists to be mindful of construction zones and workers on the bridge.

“Geaux Orange” safety team members will be in the community throughout the week speaking with local businesses and citizens about safety in work zones. They’ll also be handing out Geaux Orange “visor cards” and key chains. Each visor card has information and emergency contact numbers in the event of an accident on the bridge. You can also request a visor card or download and print one out from our Web site, http://www.geauxorange.com/. Or look for them in your favorite local businesses.

This campaign has reminded me of the importance of work zone safety and the responsibility that we as pedestrians and motorists have to act with care.

One of the easiest things we can all do as a commuter is to slow down in a work zone. The conditions in a work zone are constantly changing, so it is important to extra caution, obey the signs, slow down and be courteous when you see orange cones. To cut down on your commute, you can always call the public outreach line at (504) 731-4200 – that way you know what the conditions are before you even leave your house. It’s a 24/7 automated info line with up-to-the-minute lane closure information. You can also check the Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project Web site (http://www.hueypbridge.com/).

This week, while you’re “geauxing” orange, don’t forget to check out our Web site for safety tips, a downloadable visor card, the latest lane closure information and public service announcements featuring Aaron Broussard, Jefferson Parish President, and Rick Jones, head coach of Tulane Baseball.

Remember, Geaux Orange and drive safe on the Huey!

Today's Lane Closures = Tomorrow's Progress

2008-03-31T20:39:39.2959577+01:00

In recent weeks, I’m sure many commuters have noticed the lane closures on the bridge. During non-peak travel times you’re seeing hardhats and orange cones. Even though lane closures run solely from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (not typical rush hour traffic), we realize there are still a number of commuters traveling the bridge. Delays, no matter how slight, are still frustrating. Sometimes it is hard to remember that progress comes with a price – and that price is short-term inconvenience.

Those of us who work on the bridge project strive to make this transition a smooth one. Through innovative traffic management plans, up-to-date public information via our website, automated telephone info line (504-731-4200), our bimonthly BAT and CAT meetings, HPL Review newsletter and contributing to regular updates on your favorite evening news stations and newspapers – we’re working to help you plan your daily commute and stay informed on project progress.

Personally, I am excited for the day I’ll finally be able to drive over the new and improved Huey P. Once its complete, the three 11 ft. lanes with inside and outside shoulders (shoulders, can you believe it?!) will allow commuters to cross over the bridge quicker and safer than ever before. This long-awaited facelift will spur economic growth on both sides of the Huey P. and will stimulate long-term benefits for those communities.

In the meantime, there will be some headaches. In addition to the bridge itself being widened, the traffic circle on the West Bank , the Jefferson Highway overpass and approaches on either side are all being updated. This is no small task!

We are all working hard to minimize these headaches and to manage the stress and inconvenience while we wait to enjoy the benefits. But until that time, you’ve got a front row seat to history in the making. After all, it is your Huey P.