Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the new bridge be completed?
   The westbound bridge is scheduled to open in late 2009.  The eastbound bridge is scheduled to open two years later.
    

2. How will the new bridge look?
   You can click here to view an artist's conception of the new Twin Span Bridge. The new bridge will consist of two parallel structures, each 5.5 miles long.  Both bridges will be sixty feet wide and accommodate three 12-foot travel lanes.  There will be 12-foot shoulders on either side of the travel lanes.  The new bridge will be 21 feet higher than the existing Twin Span Bridge, and approximately 30 feet above the water level.  The bridge will feature an 80 foot high-rise section to provide vertical clearance for marine traffic on Lake Pontchartrain.
    

3. What will happen to the existing bridge?
   Once the new bridge is completed, the current bridge will be demolished.
    

4. Where will the new bridge be located?
   The new bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing Twin Span Bridge.  It will be approximately 300 feet east of the existing bridge.
    

5. How long will it take to construct the new bridge?
   Work on the project began in the late summer of 2006.  The first span of the new bridge should be completed by mid-to-late 2009.  Both bridges are scheduled for completion by mid-to-late 2011.
    

6. What is the total project cost, and who is proving the money?
   The total cost for the new Twin Span Bridge is approximately $800 million. The project is being funded solely by federal tax dollars from the Federal Highway Administration.
    

7. Who will be performing the work?
   The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will administer the project.   Project activities will be coordinated with the Federal Highway Administration.  Boh Bros. Construction Co. of New Orleans is building the level portion and the approaches for the new bridge.  The 80 foot high-rise section is being constructed by Traylor/Kiewit/Massman Joint Venture.  Volkert Construction Services will provide construction engineering and inspection services in support of the DOTD. 
    

8. How will traffic be impacted by the construction work?
   For the most part work will take place off the roadway (Interstate 10) so traffic impacts should be minimal.  As with all projects of this magnitude and complexity there could occasionally be an increase in traffic congestion.  The construction team will work diligently to maintain traffic flow in the corridor.
    

9. Will the navigation channel be open to marine traffic during construction?
   Yes.  Impacts to marine traffic will be few, if any.
    

10. Is the current I-10 Twin Span Bridge safe?
    Yes.  The current Twin Span Bridge sustained major damage during Hurricane Katrina.  Sections of the westbound bridge (between Slidell and New Orleans) were repaired using prefabricated metal bridge sections.  These sections require regular inspection and maintenance.  Maintenance crews are on-site seven-days-a-week to ensure the safety of the bridge.  Motorists are advised to obey the speed and weight limits for the bridge.  Speeding and/or overweight vehicles can do damage to the prefabricated metal bridge sections. 
     

11. Why are lanes sometimes closed on the existing bridge?  Why can’t lane closures be limited to nighttime hours?  Why are both lanes sometimes closed?
    The prefabricated metal panels used to repair the bridge require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure the continued safety of the bridge.  Work is done during the daytime so that inspectors have enough light to adequately inspect the bridge components.  The inspections usually require closure of one lane at a time.  When repairs are needed it is sometimes necessary to close both lanes.  Whenever possible these full closures are limited to overnight hours.
     

12. Are there weight restrictions or lower speed limits for the current bridge?
    Yes.  Both spans are closed to oversize and overweight permit loads.  The westbound span has a 70,000-pound weight limit for tractor-trailer combinations.  The single vehicle weight limit on the westbound span is 40,000-pounds.  Oversize and/or overweight vehicles should use Interstate 55 as a detour route.  The speed limit on the westbound span has been reduced to 45 MPH, the eastbound has a 60 MPH speed limit.
     

13. How can I stay current on information about construction activities?
    You can e-mail questions and comments directly to the construction team at twinspanbridge@volkert.com. When you write you can request your e-mail address be added to the distribution list for free e-mail updates. You may also contact the DOTD customer service line at 1-877-4LA-DOTD.