Baton Rouge, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has launched a significant new initiative to address aging bridges across the state. The agency issued a notice of intent for three separate bridge bundling packages, marking the start of an ambitious effort to repair, replace, and rehabilitate multiple bridges through a streamlined project delivery method.
Key to this undertaking is the use of the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) model, a first for the DOTD. This approach brings together the designers and builders under a single contract much earlier in the process than traditional project methods. The model provides more opportunity for collaboration, encourages early contractor input, and shares risks between DOTD and the design-build teams. This is expected to result in faster construction, cost reductions, and bridge structures better tailored to the needs of Louisiana communities.
The DOTD’s bridge bundling effort focuses on grouping bridges based on location, type, or scope of required work. This allows for shared resources, coordinated construction schedules, and easier project management. According to the Federal Highway Administration, bridge bundling can deliver significant time and cost savings, helping agencies like DOTD address a backlog of needed infrastructure work more quickly.
The upcoming bridge replacement and rehabilitation work will range from complete removal and replacement of outdated structures to significant repairs on still-serviceable bridges. The goal is to improve safety, resilience, and the overall transport network throughout Louisiana.
The Notice of Intent and the bridge bundling strategy are part of DOTD’s broader vision outlined in the Plan for Transforming Transportation, a statewide initiative to bring performance-based, cost-effective solutions to Louisiana’s roads and bridges. A recent informational session at the Transportation Training Education Center in Baton Rouge allowed industry professionals—from engineers to contractors—to learn about the details of the PDB process and provide feedback shaping the direction of the procurement process.
With the legislature appropriating funding for the initial three bundles during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, the DOTD expects to move quickly from design to construction, helping to ensure that fewer bridges in Louisiana will be classified as structurally deficient. Recent reports indicate that the state has already improved the condition of its bridge inventory, but continued investment and innovation remain necessary to keep pace with aging infrastructure.