Louisiana Secretary of Transportation Dr. Eric Kalivoda informed members of the Joint Transportation Committee last week that a temporary bridge in Tullos should be completed by Spring of 2024.

District 22 Representative Gabe Firment, who is a member of the committee, pressed the Secretary last Monday about the status of the overpass in Tullos.

“I’ve been very frustrated,” Firment began in his comments to the Secretary. “Three years ago yesterday, you issued a press release announcing that the Highway 84 railroad overpass in Tullos in LaSalle Parish was to begin, that the money was there for the replacement of that bridge, but three years later we haven’t gotten anywhere.”

“One thing that I’ve taken away from today (committee meeting) is there has seemed to of been a disregard for the commercial trucking industry and those families that are supported by that industry,” the Representative continued. “My constituents are hurting. There is a five-ton weight limit on that bridge on this major thoroughfare through the state and it’s a major East-West highway.”

“It’s costing the logging industry and the trucking industry in my district severely,” Firment went on to say. “So, can you give me an idea of where we’re at or what the prognosis is?”

Kalivoda began by noting that the original contractor who was awarded the bid to construct the new bridge in Tullos went out of business and defaulted on the project.

“We were working on an idea of a detour route but we never could get past the railroad for an upgraded crossing,” the Secretary said. “We are building a temporary bridge called an Acrow bridge and that’s being designed right now.”

He noted the temporary bridge should be in place by the Spring of 2024 and it will support full-size vehicles with normal bridge weight limits.

“It will be temporary while we rebuild a permanent bridge which will serve the community and be there for 75-100 years,” Kalivoda said.

“So, the anticipated completion date of the temporary bridge is Spring – March, April or May of 2024? Is that correct?” Firment asked.

“Yes, sir,” responded the Secretary.

According to the Secretary, there will be no detour road constructed as originally cited months ago due to issues with the railroad company, however, the state is working on getting the temporary bridge constructed as soon as possible.

The low weight limit has caused many in the trucking industry to spend thousands of more dollars on fuel and maintenance due to having to drive extra miles around the structure that has the fiveton weight limit.

Firment noted that he will continue to monitor the situation with the state and their progress on the temporary bridge, as the issue is of utmost importance to those affected by its status.

In a letter addressed to Firment from LA DOTD District 58 Engineer Administrator Jay Collins, it was noted that the current bridge is continually inspected and so far there has been no further damage and the bridge is safe for the weight limit posted.

“As for the existing bridge, our bridge inspectors continue to monitor the condition of the bridge and identify no increased signs of movement or deterio-ration of the structure,” Collins wrote. “It continues to remain stable and safe to cross with a five-ton load rating.”

The engineer also noted that all permits should be received and equipment mobilized and on site to begin the embankment work right after the Christmas/ New Year’s holiday.

“We are hopeful to have the detour bridge in service by spring,” Collins concluded.