Work has progressed on the hurricane-damaged Interstate 10 Twin Span Bridge into New Orleans to the point where the state Department of Transportation can end its rigorous inspection and maintenance efforts that have required twice-weekly lane closures.


When powerful storm surges caused by Hurricane Katrina damaged the bridge in 2005, the westbound route was partially rebuilt with temporary bridge panels that allowed DOTD to reopen the bridge quickly but required near-constant inspection and repair.

Construction crews last week shifted westbound traffic on the Interstate 10 Twin Span Bridge to the former eastbound span. Westbound truckers on I-10 now can now carry full 80,000-pound loads into New Orleans from the east. Vehicles with overweight permits must continue to use the Causeway or Interstate 55 for entry into the city.

The state is also increasing the speed limit on the westbound bridge to 60 mph on the bridge itself and 50 mph at the transition points as drivers enter and exit the bridge.

The new Twin Span Bridge opened to eastbound traffic last month. Construction continues on the rest of the $803 million bridge, which should be done by mid-to-late 2011.

The traffic shift will require the closure of the westbound off-ramp to U.S. 11. A new off-ramp will open to traffic once the bridge is completed in mid-to-late 2011.

For more information on the Twin Span Bridge replacement project, visit www.TwinSpanBridge.com.