Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has advanced 24 new infrastructure projects across the state, with apparent low bids totaling about $113.8 million in December, according to a DOTD announcement.
Eighteen contractors submitted the lowest bids on a mix of bridge replacements, highway pavement work, congestion mitigation, safety improvements, and pedestrian upgrades affecting urban and rural communities in multiple parishes.
Under state contracting rules, these are “apparent low bids,” meaning the projects are expected to move forward but are not formally awarded until the standard review process is completed. DOTD typically takes about 30 days to finalize contracts, check bid accuracy, and confirm that proposals meet budget and technical requirements.
Bridge Replacement And Repair Projects
Two bridge replacement jobs are included in the December letting, addressing aging structures that carry local and regional traffic:
- Bayou Queue de Tortue Bridge, LA 343, Lafayette Parish
Replacement of the bridge along Louisiana Highway 343 drew an apparent low bid of $2,938,982.75. The structure serves local residents, commercial traffic, and agricultural operations in the Lafayette Parish area. - Four Creek Bridges Near Simsboro, LA 507, Bienville and Lincoln Parishes
Replacement of four creek crossings along LA 507 near Simsboro received an apparent low bid of $5,600,383.10. The work targets multiple small bridges along a rural route that connects communities in Bienville and Lincoln parishes.
These bridge projects are part of DOTD’s long-term effort to address structurally deficient or functionally outdated crossings, which can impact weight limits, safety, and travel reliability.
Pavement And Overlay Work On Major Corridors
A large share of the December program focuses on milling, patching, overlay, and reconstruction across federal and state highways. Milling removes the top layer of old pavement so new asphalt can be placed more effectively, improving ride quality and extending roadway life.
Key pavement projects and their apparent low bids include:
- U.S. 90, Orleans Parish
- Milling, grading, patching, and overlay on U.S. 90 between the floodwall and Victory Road: $2,052,738.87.
- I-610, Orleans Parish
- Grading, milling, patching, and overlay on Interstate 610 between the Orleans Parish line and Franklin Avenue: $9,522,008.00.
This segment serves as a major connector for commuter and freight traffic moving around New Orleans. - Linwood Avenue, Caddo Parish
- Reconstruction of Linwood Avenue between West 84th Street and West 70th Street: $6,424,288.57.
Full reconstruction suggests deeper structural work beyond a surface overlay, intended to address underlying pavement distress. - LA 29, Evangeline and St. Landry Parishes
- Grading, milling, patching, paving, and drainage improvements between LA 13 and LA 758: $9,111,516.00.
The inclusion of drainage work is important in Louisiana’s heavy rainfall environment, helping protect pavement from water damage. - I-49, Lafayette and St. Landry Parishes
- Grading, milling, patching, and overlay between I-10 and the St. Landry Parish line: $43,578,700.39.
This is the largest single project in the December group and affects a major interstate corridor used for long-distance freight and regional travel. - LA 83, Iberia Parish
- Milling and overlay between 5.7 miles south of Lydia and 1.9 miles north of Weeks Island: $2,772,927.45.
- LA 365, Acadia Parish
- Patching, milling, overlay, and drainage between LA 1098 and LA 98: $6,832,015.84.
- U.S. 84, LaSalle Parish
- Milling, patching, and overlay between Olla Field Road and the west junction of LA 772: $3,289,427.31.
- U.S. 90 At University Avenue, Lafayette Parish
- Grading, milling, overlay, sidewalks, and lighting: $5,091,934.19.
The addition of sidewalks and lighting indicates a focus on both driver and pedestrian safety along this busy corridor.
These improvements are designed to smooth travel, reduce maintenance needs, and support economic activity by keeping key freight and commuter routes in working condition.
Congestion Mitigation And Safety Upgrades
Several projects specifically target congestion relief and safety enhancements, including new roundabouts, signal improvements, and pavement markings. DOTD notes that it considers crash records, traffic volume, and urgency when prioritizing these efforts.
Projects in this category include:
- Roundabout Construction, LA 22 At Dunson Road/Ridgdell Road, Tangipahoa Parish
- Apparent low bid: $2,193,188.57.
Roundabouts are designed to reduce severe crashes by lowering speeds and eliminating some conflict points found at traditional signalized intersections. - Flashing Yellow Arrows, Lafourche Parish
- Installation at various locations: $3,852,416.13.
Flashing yellow arrow signals allow drivers to make left turns when oncoming traffic is clear, with clearer guidance and often improved safety compared with older signal designs. - Striping And Signing, Lafourche Parish
- Striping and signing along various local roads: $1,445,859.05.
Fresh pavement markings and updated signs can improve visibility and guidance, especially at night or in bad weather. - Intersection Improvements, LA 1256 At Patch Street & West Cal Boulevard, Calcasieu Parish
- Apparent low bid: $623,078.12.
While specific design details were not provided, intersection work typically may include turn lanes, upgraded signals, or improved alignment to reduce crashes and delays. - Intersection Improvements, LA 428 At Marr Avenue And Wall Boulevard, Orleans Parish
- Apparent low bid: $889,576.81.
- Pavement Markings And Striping, U.S. 90, Iberia And St. Mary Parishes
- Apparent low bid: $987,522.80.
Enhanced markings on a major route like U.S. 90 support both local drivers and through traffic.
By addressing signal performance, intersection design, and visibility, these projects aim to cut down on roadway incidents and keep traffic moving more efficiently.
Pedestrian, Cycling, And Community Access Improvements
Beyond highways and bridges, the December program includes a series of pedestrian and multi-use path projects, reflecting a broader focus on walkability and multimodal transportation.
Key projects and their apparent low bids include:
- Hurricane Window Protection Systems, Baton Rouge Area
- Installation of protective systems in four buildings: $897,500.00.
While not a roadway project, this effort supports resilience of critical facilities during hurricanes. - LA 428 Pedestrian/Cycling Improvements, Orleans Parish
- Upgrades between General DeGaulle Drive and Behrman Highway: $765,432.10.
These improvements are aimed at people walking and biking along a busy corridor on the West Bank of New Orleans. - Multi-Use Path, LA 76, West Baton Rouge Parish
- Apparent low bid: $2,718,180.05.
Multi-use paths typically accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists, providing safer separation from vehicle traffic. - Pedestrian Improvements, McMillan Road, Ouachita Parish
- Apparent low bid: $813,720.85.
- Sidewalks, Bowie Road, Lafourche Parish
- Apparent low bid: $209,826.80.
- Sidewalks, North 6th Street, Ouachita Parish
- Apparent low bid: $1,126,505.35.
- Clearing And Grubbing For Future Roundabout, LA 3125 And LA 3274, St. James Parish
- Apparent low bid: $80,000.00.
Clearing and grubbing is an early construction phase that removes vegetation and prepares a site for future roadway or intersection work.
These investments are intended to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle in their communities, including access to schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
How DOTD Reviews And Prioritizes Projects
DOTD emphasizes that identifying an apparent low bidder is only one step in the contracting process. Bids undergo additional review to ensure they meet all technical requirements and fall within acceptable cost ranges.
- If a bid is outside a defined cost range or exceeds the project budget, DOTD may conduct a more extensive evaluation.
- After review, the agency can choose to move forward with award or re-bid the project if prices are too high or other issues arise.
The department notes that it continues to monitor supply chain challenges and workforce issues, which can affect bid prices and construction timelines.
Projects are prioritized using several criteria, including:
- Condition of the road or bridge
- Urgency of needed improvements
- Type and volume of traffic
- Crash history and safety concerns
- Damage from unforeseeable emergencies, such as severe weather events
- Other technical and operational factors
By combining major highway overlays, bridge replacements, safety upgrades, and pedestrian work, the December bid letting reflects a broad approach to infrastructure that addresses both statewide mobility and local access.