Union Pacific Railroad (UP) has started construction on a new 102-foot bridge over Bayou Lafourche in Donaldsonville, La., replacing an existing crossing made up of box culverts. The work is scheduled to be completed by year's end.
The new bridge is part of the state's efforts to reintroduce freshwater from the Mississippi River into Bayou Lafourche.
Ben Malbrough, executive director of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District (BLFWD), said, "Once the bridge is complete, water will flow unimpeded through the crossing, allowing immediate increased pumping capacity. The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District can move forward on a project that more than doubles their current pumping capacity into Bayou Lafourche, as well as makes the potable water source for over 300,000 people more resilient.”
“Desperately needed fresh water will be provided to combat saltwater intrusion and prevent further wetland loss in lower Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes," added Malbrough.
"While the existing crossing meets Union Pacific's operational needs, the project aligns with the company's environmental commitment," stated UP's Louisiana Director of Public Affairs Drew Tessier. "Union Pacific's engineers designed a bridge structure that meets the needs of the BLFWD and the company's operational demands."
The first phase of the project includes construction of a temporary bridge alongside existing track to allow cranes and heavy equipment to access the area without disrupting train traffic. The new bridge will have 45 pilings supporting the structure, which will consist of two sets of railroad tracks.