Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced the results of its latest round of bids for statewide projects, with 13 projects receiving a total of $35.7 million in funding. The projects, which aim to improve the state’s infrastructure, include pavement rehabilitation, congestion mitigation, and safety enhancements.
According to DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue, the projects are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible infrastructure for the state’s citizens and visitors. “We’re pleased to announce a new round of bids for construction this month, including many more pavement rehabilitation projects,” Donahue said. “Our citizens and visitors deserve the best infrastructure we can provide them, and we will continue to improve our state’s transportation system with the funds we have available.”
When bids for projects are received, an “apparent low bidder” is identified, although the process of actually finalizing and awarding the contract takes about 30 days. Bid prices deemed outside of a certain range or exceeding the project budget typically trigger a more extensive evaluation. DOTD will continue to monitor increases in bid prices related to supply chain and workforce issues. After a review, DOTD may opt to have the project re-bid.
Construction projects are prioritized based on a variety of factors, including road and bridge condition, urgency of improvements, type and volume of traffic, crash records, and unforeseeable emergencies that caused damage.
The projects awarded and their apparent low bids are as follows:
- Milling, patching, and overlay on U.S. 165 southbound between Rilla and Pearl St. in Ouachita Parish: $5,412,673.77
- Milling, patching, paving, and reinforcing on Bonnabel Blvd. between Metairie Rd. and I-10 in Jefferson Parish: $3,081,793.29
- Pavement rehabilitation on Terry Parkway between LA 23 and U.S. 90B in Jefferson Parish: $811,909.50
- Milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 10 between Little Wauksha Bridge and U.S. 71 in St. Landry Parish: $5,034,157.64
- Grading, milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 17 between Franklin Parish line and Rundell Loop in Richland Parish: $2,749,608.10
- Grading, milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 565 between LA 129 and LA 15 in Concordia Parish: $8,589,008.25
- Milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 397 between Gayle Rd. and LA 27 in Calcasieu Parish: $3,262,706.33
- Milling and patching on LA 191 between LA 476 and LA 6 in Sabine Parish: $1,589,547.12
- Milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 1029 between U.S. 190 and LA 447 in Livingston Parish: $916,368.75
- Milling and overlay on LA 1055 between LA 38 and Silver Creek in Washington Parish: $1,334,695.01
- Grading, milling, patching, and overlay on LA 662 between LA 182 and Terrebonne Parish line in Terrebonne Parish: $525,377.76
- Lighting replacement at I-49 and LA 31 in St. Landry Parish: $1,396,101.55
- Boom or Bust scenic viewing area in Caddo Parish: $999,049.00
The projects are expected to improve the state’s infrastructure, reduce congestion, and enhance safety. With the funding now in place, construction can begin on these critical projects, providing a welcome boost to the state’s economy and quality of life.