The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) stated today that bids were received in February for 17 projects across the state. Ten contractors submitted the lowest apparent bids amounting to $56.3 million.DOTD is continuing with various projects across the state in order to progress infrastructure improvements, according to DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. There are several upcoming roadway rehabilitation projects, and the agency is excited to begin major overlay projects in the northern regions of the state soon. The projects that have been awarded and their apparent low bids are listed below:

Bridge Replacement and Repair:

• $1,098,813.00 is the cost of reinforcing the bridge and improving the bearings at the U.S. 190 overpass on U.S. 61 in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Pavement/Overlay:

• The cost for grading, milling, and paving on LA 3248 Naborton Loop in DeSoto Parish is $2,917,552.75.

• Phase 2 of the rehabilitation of Mane Street in Ouachita Parish will cost $1,779,689.55.

• The cost for milling, patching, overlay, and drainage work on LA 17 between 1.5 miles north of Darnell and Gaddis St. in West Carroll Parish is $10,895,679.90.

• Repairing and resurfacing work, as well as improving drainage along LA 568 between LA 569 and U.S. 65 in Concordia and Tensas parishes, will cost $3,385,104.30.

• The cost for activities such as milling, patching, overlay, and drainage work on LA 3252 in Tensas Parish, between LA 573 and LA 892, totals $3,294,131.25.

• The cost of milling, patching, and overlay work on LA 3173/3174 in St. Landry Parish between LA 105 and U.S. 190 is $2,400,536.74.

• The cost for milling, patching, overlay, and drainage work on roads in Grant Parish, specifically on LA 3169, LA 524, and LA 502, amounts to $3,705,301.35.

• Improving, smoothing, repairing, and constructing drainage for Planchet Rd. in East Baton Rouge Parish will cost $1,107,342.22.

• The cost for Phase 4 of leveling the bridge approaches on LA 56, U.S. 90, and U.S. 90 BUS in Jefferson, Lafourche, and Terrebonne parishes is $722,434.50.

Congestion Mitigation and Safety:

• $667,000.00 has been allocated for the installation of new bike lanes near LSU Lab School on Dalrymple Drive as a component of the Safe Routes to School program in East Baton Rouge Parish.

• A total of $547,000.00 has been allocated for enhancing sidewalks for pedestrians along LA 675/Jefferson Island Rd. in Iberia Parish.

• The cost of adding a J-turn on LA 28 at St. Clair Rd. in Rapides Parish is $1,338,096.58.

• The cost of installing a curb extension on LA 20 at St. Patrick St. in Lafourche Parish is $612,000.00.

• $776,588.90 is the cost of drainage upgrades on Pear St. at LA 1 in Assumption Parish.

Other:

• The decorative lighting on the Crescent City Connection on U.S. 90-Z in Jefferson and Orleans parishes cost $20,725,000.00.

• The cost for inspecting, repairing, and painting the Duty/Enterprise ferry barge in a dry dock is $356,330.00.

Once bids are submitted for projects, the lowest bidder is initially determined, but it takes around 30 days to officially finalize and award the contract. If bid prices are too high or exceed the budget, a more thorough evaluation is conducted. The Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will closely monitor any price increases due to supply chain or workforce problems. If necessary, the project may be put out for bid again after a review. Construction projects are given priority based on factors such as the condition of roads and bridges, the urgency of needed improvements, the type and volume of traffic, accident records, unforeseen emergencies that have caused damage, and various other considerations.