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Airport connector bridge progress: lift span and fenders installed; parish to own and maintain road
Summary
Engineer reported the airport connector bridge lift span is installed and operational, fenders are in place and remaining tasks include handrails, operations equipment and signage; parish will own and maintain the road and bridge and aims for late‑July opening if grating and final work proceed on schedule.
Engineers updated the Lafourche Parish Council on June 23 on the airport connector road and bridge and several other infrastructure projects damaged by recent storms.
Joe Picciola of Picciola and Associates said the airport connector bridge lift span is now in place and operational and that fenders are installed in Bayou Lafourche. He told the council crews are completing handrails, operations equipment and lift‑limit switches, and that striping and signage remain before public opening. "We're going to be finished sometime in mid‑July… that's barring any major hiccups," he said, later clarifying the target as late July.
Picciola also described ongoing storm repairs and coastal projects: plans/specs and permitting for the Rita pump station repair are complete and negotiating FEMA funding continues; Larose boat launch contractor Auto Limit Constructors poured the concrete ramp and is installing sheet piles for wharfs; and the Cote Blanche Bridge rehabilitation is awaiting grating delivery so crews can place decking grating and complete electrical and tie‑ins.
Regarding Cote Blanche, the engineer recommended approving change order number two on the agenda, a balancing deduct of $13,050 to reconcile quantities. The council later approved that change order unanimously.
Council members clarified operations and maintenance responsibilities. Councilman Lorraine confirmed the Greater Lafourche Port Commission is the primary client on the airport connector project, and Picciola confirmed the parish will own and be responsible for maintenance of the road and bridge after completion. Council members and staff also discussed training and staffing for bridge operators; the plan is to transfer operators from the Galliano pontoon bridge and provide training in the coming weeks.
No new funding appropriations were approved at the meeting; several project actions and a recommended change order proceeded through routine vote. The engineer said the goal is to have the airport connector bridge open before the start of the school year, subject to timely delivery and installation of remaining components.
