AASHTO Journal, 17 January 2014
Officials from the Texas Department of Transportation and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development joined forces this week to break ground on a bridge replacement project that will enhance safety on a vital connection between the two states.
The two state transportation departments have begun are replacing the U.S. 84 Sabine River Bridge, which was originally constructed in 1936 to connect Joaquin, Texas, and Logansport, La., over the Sabine River. The $20.4 million project will build a pair of one way bridges (with two lanes on each bridge) in place of the current single bridge containing lanes in both directions. The new structures were designed to meet the most up-to-date design and safety standards, as the bridges include two 12-foot lanes each, a 10-foot outside shoulder, and a four-foot inside shoulder.
TxDOT and DOTD officials say the groundbreaking is even sweeter due to the long process in getting to this point. The two state DOTs began thinking about replacing the Sabine River Bridge in the 1980s but had to suspend it multiple times when funding fell short.
“This is a great project for the local communities and all motorists who travel through the area because it will improve safety and mobility,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III in a statement. “It is a long time coming and we’re thankful for the partnership with Louisiana to improve transportation for the citizens of both states.”
DOTD Secretary Sherri LeBas also expressed her excitement over advancing the project.
“We are grateful to Texas for overseeing the construction of this project,” LeBas said. “The Sabine River Bridge is an important connector for Louisiana and Texas, and its replacement will enhance safety for the nearly 12,500 motorists that use the bridge each day.”
TxDOT and DOTD officials say the project should be completed in the summer of 2016.
