NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District’s continuing construction activities at the southern opening to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge will temporarily require motorists to travel at reduced speeds during non-peak hour s and will generate traffic delays. The construction, which involves driving piles in very close proximity to the southbound travel lanes, will occur from October 3, 2011 through October 7, between the hours 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
To ensure the safety of commuters and construction workers, the Corps, in conjunction with Causeway Commission, will be using police convoys to manage southbound traffic during this time.
The Corps is building a concrete floodwall with a top elevation of approximately 15 ft at the southern entrance to the Causeway. The floodwall defends against a storm surge event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year, or a 100-year storm surge event. Construction on the Causeway is scheduled through 2012.
As construction of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System continues, res idents and commuters are urged to use caution near active construction sites. If at any time there are questions about construction of the system, call the Corps’ toll free Construction Hotline at 877-427-0345.
Release no. 11-015