The Design-Build technique means that the joint venture (on this project, Audubon Bridge Constructors) will be responsible for both the design and construction of the project.
This process allowed DOTD to competitively select a team to design and build the project at a predetermined price and timeframe.
The Design-Build process will save approximately nine to twelve months on the Audubon Bridge project.
The Audubon Bridge project will have minimal effects on traffic and daily commutes.
With the bridge and roadway being constructed along a new alignment, construction will intersect existing roadways at only four locations—US 61 south of St. Francisville, LA 981 (River Road) near Big Cajun II, LA 10 north of New Roads and LA 1 east of Hospital Road.
In the event that traffic will be impacted, ample notice will be given by media outlets. For accurate and up-to-date traffic information, stayed tuned to this website or call (866) 846-3352.
When the project is complete, there will be four intersections for accessing the new roadway and bridge structure. There will be new intersections at LA 1 at New Roads, at LA 10 north of New Roads near the levee, at LA 981 (River Road) near Big Cajun II and at US 61 south of St. Francisville.
Click here to view the proposed intersection of LA 1 / LA 10.
Click here to view the proposed intersection of LA 981 (River Road) / LA 10.
The construction of the new bridge can be viewed from areas near the Mississippi River, but much of this land is privately owned. In order to help residents chart the progress of the project, a Web cam has been installed to provide real-time photographs of the construction site.
The naming the new bridge after John James Audubon is extremely significant to this project in that it exemplifies the importance and preservation of the very rich history and heritage of the region.
John James Audubon is a monumental figure to the people of Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana parishes. Audubon, one of the world’s most renowned artists, dedicated his life to painting all of birds in America. He painted no less than eighty of his famous works in his Birds of America series while residing at Oakley Plantation at St. Francisville as a tutor to Eliza Pirrie in 1821.
The Audubon Bridge project, as with all TIMED Program projects, has an 80 percent residency requirement for workforce meaning this Louisiana project will employ Louisiana people.
Employees that move to Louisiana from out of state to work on the project also invest in Louisiana. Moving to the state means spending money and investing a percentage of those dollars in local economies.
Local residents are encouraged to apply for employment on the project.
The Design-Build team for the Audubon Bridge project is Audubon Bridge Constructors, a joint venture of Flatiron Constructors, Granite Construction and Parsons Transportation Group.
Several sub-contractors, including many Louisiana firms, are also working on the project.
Applications for employment on the Audubon Bridge project are being accepted each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the office of Audubon Bridge Constructors.
The Audubon Bridge project, as with all TIMED Program projects, is funded by a dedicated $0.04 per gallon gasoline and motor fuels tax put in place by 1989 legislation and approved by Louisiana voters.
The John James Audubon Bridge is scheduled for completion by summer 2010. Project personnel know how important this project is to the community and will work towards meeting,and perhaps beating, this goal so you can drive across the new bridge as soon as possible.
The Audubon Bridge project, as with all TIMED Program projects, was strategically chosen to be built in order to stimulate economic growth across Louisiana.
History has proven that transportation projects—roads, tunnels, railways and bridges—drive business and residential development. Not only do areas thrive with improved infrastructure but travel becomes easier, access is expanded and quality of life is enhanced.
Economic benefits of the Audubon Bridge project include:
