DeSaix Bridge Demolition and Reconstruction
Length of Bridge
96 Feet
Location
New Orleans, LA
Owner
City of New Orleans and Department of Public Works
Industry
Overview
Renewing a pivotal connection
After 80 years, The DeSaix Bridge, a vital link between Orleans Parish Districts A and D, is being rebuilt. The City of New Orleans and the Department of Public Works selected RNGD from three other competing bids to complete the $6 million project. As an accessway to City Park and Carrollton Avenue, this “small” bridge is an essential connection for local commuters, from motor vehicles to recreational and pedestrian traffic. RNGD’s Infrastructure Team currently leads the charge to reconstruct the existing bridge connecting Wisner and DeSaix Boulevards over Bayou St. John as well as install a new asphalt surface on Moss Street to improve roadway conditions. Once complete, the bridge will have four travel lanes, a 10-foot bike lane, a pedestrian path on both sides, decorative concrete side panels, and streamlined access for canoe, kayak, and paddleboard traffic to flow easily and safely under the bridge. With unique environmental challenges, rebuilding the DeSaix bridge is the perfect opportunity for the Infrastructure Team to flex their capabilities with our signature RNGD style.
Coordination, precision, safety
The DeSaix Bridge project has involved significant coordination and engineering precision. Before demolition could begin, an electrical feeder line, feeding a crucial pump station, ran alongside the bridge, necessitating directional drilling of new power lines under Bayou St. John. Aside from this rerouting work, a new traffic control plan was essential. One of our biggest challenges is working in proximity to City Park and the bustling Bayou St. John area. Joggers, bikers, and pedestrians frequent the area, making it crucial to implement effective traffic control plans and site security measures. Safety is paramount, not only for our team but for the public as well. Despite initial attempts to deter the public with cones, many continued to enter the work zone, posing significant safety risks. After consulting with the city, the Wisner Bridge would close temporarily to ensure public safety during heavy crane operations.
Careful demolition, meticulous construction
Once the pathways were closed off and the pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle traffic shut down, our team was ready to safely demolish the existing bridge. The old bridge, while familiar to many, was deteriorating due to water exposure, causing concrete and rebar erosion. Surprisingly, the wood pilings were in relatively good condition. The existing structure was removed in sections using a crane, and divers cut the timber pilings underwater. With the assistance of structural engineers, the Infrastructure Team ensured the bridge’s stability throughout the disassembly process. New piles were driven, and pile caps poured, setting the foundation for the new bridge. Once the vertical wall platforms are set, the team will use a crane to lift the steel in for placement. Pre-stressed concrete slab spans will be installed, followed by a concrete deck pour. RNGD’s Steel Team will also contribute to the project with steel handrails, and an architect will be brought in to recreate the unique 1930s-style facade of the bridge.
A strengthened & preserved connection
On track to finish in 2024, RNGD’s approach to rebuilding the DeSaix Bridge exemplifies our company’s steadfast commitment to innovation and adaptability. Our team’s work is a testament to our ability to handle complex infrastructure projects while ensuring public safety and minimal disruption. The Infrastructure Team has applied a collective work experience to this bridge, showcasing their technical prowess and collaborative spirit. As RNGD continues to expand its capabilities, the DeSaix Bridge project stands as a milestone in our portfolio, demonstrating our readiness to tackle ambitious projects. Especially ones that not only strengthen the infrastructure of our hometown but preserve it for years to come.
