State and local officials broke ground in late February in Jean Lafitte, La., on the first phase of a permanent replacement for the Leo Kerner Swing Bridge, destroyed by Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The contingent was led by Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, who later resigned his position to launch a bid to become governor of the state.
The Leo Kerner bridge, constructed in 1948, provided a critical connection between the communities of Barataria and Jean Lafitte for over 70 years, but was taken out of service after sustaining considerable damage from a loose vessel collision occurred during the hurricane's onslaught.
The La. 302/Bayou Barataria Moveable Bridge Replacement Project is multi-phased to allow for a quicker start time for the construction of the bridge itself, which is included in Phase 1 at a cost of $55.9 million, according to DOTD.
Built by Boh Bros. Construction Co. LLC in New Orleans, the bridge is estimated to be completed in 2028.
Features of the new structure include a 20-ft. vertical clearance in the closed position, a hybrid driven swing system and a natural-gas-powered generator to operate the bridge after a storm.
Currently, four deconstructed pieces of the bridge sit adjacent to the Jean Lafitte Town Hall. There are plans to convert it into a fishing pier, where it can continue to be part of the town's legacy.
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"Certain infrastructure is referred to as critical, but in this case, we have a single crossing to connect Louisiana residents to their schools, jobs, businesses, and emergency services, while at the same time allow safe, easy marine passage," former DOTD Secretary Wilson said at the groundbreaking. "We have been fortunate to be able to rely on a bridge that stood the test of time, but new infrastructure is needed to ensure the thriving of future coastal generations. This historic day is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and we will continue to see increased improvement to our state's infrastructure because of the increase in funding."
Louisiana is set to receive approximately $1 billion over the course of five years through the Bridge Formula Program administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as part of the federal law.
"The citizens of Barataria and Lafitte have waited a long time for this day, and I could not be happier for them," noted state Sen. Patrick Connick, R-8th District. "Once competed, this new bridge will be safe, reliable, and finally bring peace of mind to the residents of Barataria who must cross the bayou on a daily basis."
The second phase of the project, which will include raising, and eventual reconstruction, of a 0.6 mi.-long stretch of La. Highway 45 from the new bridge to the levee protected portion of Jean Lafitte, is scheduled to be in let in December.
"After decades of working towards and fighting for the Kerner Bridge replacement, we are finally breaking ground," explained state Rep. Timothy P. Kerner, R-84th District. "It is a monumental day for the people of Barataria and Lafitte who have suffered so much. This is a giant step forward towards resiliency and a massive quality of life improvement."
Jean Lafitte Mayor Timothy Kerner Jr. added, "Rep. Kerner has fought for this bridge that is so vital to our area for decades, and without his work, we would not be breaking ground today. Our deepest gratitude to Gov. [John Bel] Edwards and Secretary Wilson for their commitment to our area's resiliency and progress."
The completion of the project also will see marine traffic return to Bayou Barataria, where it was halted after the installation of a temporary modular steel span bridge in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The prefabricated structure was part of an emergency response to reconnect Barataria residents to the mainland after tropical storm.
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