The LA 1 project's Environmental Impact Statement was completed in record time, and now pre-construction activities for the proposed new 16-mile elevated highway and fixed-level bridge at Leeville are moving along as scheduled.

Wilbur Smith & Associates has been contracted by the La. Dept. of Transportation to conduct the 18-month pre-construction work that includes engineering, design, surveying and right-of-way acquisition. In late February, crews began conducting topographic surveys and aerial photography along the highway route as well as title research in anticipation of right-of-way acquisition. In June, crews also began investigating soil conditions south of the Leeville Bridge, a process that is expected to take three months.

The entire $11.5 million pre-construction phase of the project is expected to be completed by September 15, 2004. Funding is being provided by a mixture of state and federal transportation funds, as well as coastal impact assistance funds allocated to the state and Lafourche parish in 2001.

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Press contact:
Roy Francis, LA 1 Coalition
985.448.4485