The completion of permanent striping on the LA 20 Bayou Chevreuil Bridge marks a significant, albeit delayed, achievement in connecting LaFourche and St. James parishes. The bridge is a crucial link for the Mississippi River industrial corridor and the Houma-Thibodaux area, seeing over 9,000 motorists daily—a number expected to surge to more than 13,000 by 2039. The project, initially bid at $11.6 million in 2020, at last crosses the finish line.
J.B. James Construction stepped in to take over the project in early 2024, after the original contractor was unable to fulfill their obligations. "While it took longer than expected, it is still a great day to see this milestone," said DOTD Area Engineer Aaron Elisar, who has been with the project since its beginnings, in a statement reported by DOTD's announcement. The newly completed bridge features two 12-foot travel lanes and two 8-foot outside shoulders for an overall 40-foot roadway, designed to safely and efficiently accommodate the growing freight traffic.
Representative Ken Brass praised the achievement, saying, "Today marks a significant step forward for our communities. This vital connection between LaFourche and St. James parishes not only enhances safety but also supports our growing economy. I applaud the hard work of everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition, and I am excited to see how it will serve our residents for years to come," as per DOTD's announcement. Affirmation also came from Senator Ed Price who remarked on the importance of the first phase of improving the LA. 20 highway with the bridge's replacement.
Looking ahead, the bridge replacement paves the way for a safety improvement project to widen LA 20 in St. James and Lafourche parishes. St. James Parish President Peter Dufrense spoke to the future benefits, "Our top priority is public safety, and this bridge replacement significantly improves the safety for all our St. James, Lafourche, and Terrebonne parish residents. It will help tremendously in the future for the North South Evacuation Corridor," according to the DOTD announcement. Echoing this sentiment, Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson, III, looks forward to the full completion of the LA 20 Widening project.
