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Ward 8 lift bridge out of routine service pending repairs; parish seeks updated quotes
Summary
Road and Bridge Committee reported safety and mechanical issues at the Ward 8 lift bridge, recommended limiting use until repairs are made, and said staff will obtain updated contractor estimates and schedule a man-lift operation for controlled openings.
The Road and Bridge Committee on Jan. 8 received an update on repair needs for the Ward 8 lift bridge and recommended restricting its use until repairs can be completed.
Staff described the bridge as requiring two-person operation under unsafe conditions: one person must climb up the structure and another operate contacts from the ground. Mechanical brakes and barricade functions were cited as damaged or inoperable due to historic high water and gear exposure. Staff said previous repair work consumed a portion of previously allocated funds (about $40,000 of an earlier $100,000 allocation) to address gear and squeaking issues, but that further control and brake-system work is needed. An earlier contractor review in 2022 estimated roughly $400,000 for more extensive repairs; staff said they are reaching back to contractors who have worked on the bridge previously to obtain updated quotes and to confirm insurance/COI documentation.
Committee members discussed scheduling a controlled operation period using a man lift so that the structure can be opened for vessels while contractors inspect and perform repairs; staff suggested the bridge may need to be closed to traffic for two to three months for major work and recommended developing a plan for a temporary opening schedule to accommodate marine traffic. The staff member who presented said he will forward the most recent inspection and coordinate a proposed repair schedule for the next meeting.
No binding contract was awarded at the meeting; the committee asked staff to gather updated estimates and to return with a formal recommendation. Staff also said the bridge should remain on the parish’s off-system bridge program and that last year’s inspection reports will be circulated to committee members.
