Bossier Parish bridges at risk: A list of all that are 'structurally deficient'
Plus — Legislature launches inquiry into DOTD operations. Sheriff offers new app.
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Beyond Bossier
Bossier Parish bridges at risk: A list of all that are 'structurally deficient'
On the 4th of July, just as Independence Day celebrants were heading out for a fireworks display at the South Bossier Park, a Bossier Parish Sheriff's deputy reported a bridge "was sinking."
The Caplis-Sligo Bridge over the Red Chute Bayou was immediately closed by the Bossier Parish Police Jury.
How can a bridge suffer such a dramatic failure that warrants immediate closure?
The fact is, Bossier Parish has a high rate of bridges rated "poor" by The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation
A bridge’s rating of "good," "fair," or "poor" is determined by specific FHWA inspection standards regarding the condition of a bridge's structural components. In a 2023 analysis of bridge inspections across the nation, Scientific American found that out of 42,000 bridges in the country, nearly 7% of all bridges were rated "poor."
However, more than twice as many — nearly 17% of the bridges in Bossier Parish — are rated "poor." According to the 2023 FHWA report, out of 270 bridges in the parish, 45 are rated poor. Statewide, 12,717 bridges, or 12.15%, are rated poor in Louisiana.
It's obvious: Bossier Parish has an acute bridge problem. Worse than the state. Much worse than the nation.
The poor rating of a bridge condition, also known as a "structurally deficient" bridge, means one or more of its key structural elements (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culverts) has deteriorated or is damaged. That doesn't necessarily mean the bridge is unsafe or about to collapse.
However, it does indicate the need for close monitoring to prevent a serious failure.
Among the two major bridges in the parish listed as structurally deficient are the Jimmie Davis Bridge, which is in the process of being rebuilt, and the Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge. Built in 1963, the Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge sees average daily traffic of 45,000 vehicles. A plan to replace or rebuild the structure has not been decided on.
But there are many others. Here is the latest list of bridges in Bossier Parish with a poor rating.
DOTD operations under review: Legislature launches inquiry
Louisiana not only faces a decaying bridge system, but our roads are a major concern as well. Following an executive order issued by Governor Jeff Landry earlier this year demanding optimization of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's operations, the Louisiana Legislature is launching an inquiry.
The legislature has announced that it has contracted with Boston Consulting Group to perform a comprehensive assessment of the DOTD.
Gov. Landry ordered DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue to submit a comprehensive plan for the Department by January 15, 2025. Now the Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads has engaged the Boston Consulting Group to assist in the assessment.
“As the legislative bodies responsible for overseeing and ensuring funding for DOTD, we believe it is crucial to be deeply involved in this process,” said Senate President Cameron Henry. “Legislators are closest to the people, and it is our duty to engage now to ensure DOTD’s future success.”
“Our members are dedicated to getting this right, and we would be remiss to not fully engage in this process to reform and restructure DOTD,” said Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier. “We look forward to collaborating closely with members of both chambers, LCFOR, and Secretary Donahue to develop a workable plan that addresses the Department’s needs and positions it for future success.”
Governor Jeff Landry commended both industry and the legislature for their involvement.
“The collaboration between private industry, both chambers of the legislature, and my office to address this issue is a positive sign for Louisiana, and a harbinger of success,” Governor Landry stated. “We are committed to improving DOTD’s operations and rebuilding our state’s infrastructure.”
“LCFOR members have diligently worked to identify pain points across various sectors and stakeholder groups that interact with DOTD,” said Erich Ponti, LCFOR President. “We appreciate the opportunity to provide BCG thorough analysis and feedback to address core issues.”
BCG’s assessment phase is scheduled to conclude in early fall, allowing Secretary Donahue time to review the recommendations and develop his comprehensive plan by the deadline of January 15, 2025.
Sheriff offers new mobile app
The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office has released a new smartphone application. Sheriff Julian Whittington says the app will be an innovative way for the office to connect with Bossier Parish residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone.
The app offers quick access to features such as:
● Vacation Watch
● Payment of taxes and fines
● Jail information
● Sex offenders
The app is now available to download for free in the App Store and Google Play by searching “Bossier Parish Sheriff, LA."
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