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ARBC: Kumeet (diversion) canal construction proceeds; utility relocations caused years-long delays
Summary
ARBC staff reported incremental progress on the Kumeet River diversion canal: several bridges complete or substantially complete, Channel Segment 1 reported 70% complete; utility relocations for Florida Gas had stalled work but are being resolved. Six remaining contracts are targeted for advertisement, bidding and award by year—s end.
ARBC Executive Director Paul Sawyer and project staff updated commissioners July 8 on progress for the Kumeet River diversion canal project, reporting incremental advances on multiple construction fronts and continuing delays tied to utility relocations.
Sawyer said channel segment 1 (between Scenic Highway and Baton Rouge Bayou) is about 70% complete. He reported that most utility relocations are complete or underway and that DOTD (the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development) is responsible for most bridge work. Bridges at Highway 61 and McHugh Road are complete; Highway 964 and Highway 67 (Plank Road) are substantially complete; work at Highway 19 is underway.
Project staff said delays were caused primarily by Florida Gas utility relocations that had "stalled the project for literally years," and that those obstacles are being removed. ARBC staff and Mr. Marino said the Florida Gas pipe became stuck during pullback, producing an additional one-to-two-month delay while crews resolve the problem. Excavation and construction activity have resumed in multiple reaches.
Sawyer said six remaining contracts are targeted to be advertised, bid and awarded by the end of the calendar year so that all segments will be under construction. He also noted the diversion structure (where the Kumeet River will meet the canal) will likely take about two years to complete; solicitation for that work is underway.
ARBC staff said they have increased public engagement through social media, a newsletter and community outreach to explain project steps and gather input.
