DOTD to expedite replacement project, reduce costs through closure of LA 1 Caddo Lake Bridge in Caddo Parish

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that the project to replace the Caddo Lake Bridge on LA 1 in north Caddo Parish will be expedited by approximately one year and include a significant cost savings through the closure of the existing structure.

The $18.2 million replacement project is currently in the utility relocation phase, which began on October 1, 2021, and includes 300 days for AEP SWEPCO to move their utilities that are located in the project limits.

The existing bridge, built in 1940, has recently had the load posting lowered to 5 tons after inspection and structural review. Due to the condition of the structure, the closure is not only a cost and time savings to the project, the decision to close the bridge encompasses safety concerns for the traveling public.

The closure is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Advanced warning signage will be in place to alert motorists ahead of the scheduled closure date.

This will allow the timeline for the replacement project to be reduced by about one year through the elimination of several traffic phasing sequences and required mobilization.

Additionally, the closure of the bridge will result in a substantial savings in the overall cost of the project.

The new timeline will move up the anticipated completion of the bridge replacement to Summer 2023, depending on weather conditions.

The primary detour routes will be LA 538 and LA 169 through the Town of Mooringsport.