The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the federally required Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Cane River Bridge (Church Street, LA 1-X) replacement in Natchitoches is now complete, a significant milestone for the project.
A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This means that the selected preferred build alternative for the project will not have any significant impact on the environment that would require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.
This step is crucial in determining how quickly a project can move forward in development, and is required in order to receive any federal funding for a construction project.
The selected alternative (Alternative 1) was determined after extensive environmental analysis, two public meetings and a public hearing in downtown Natchitoches. The selected alternative includes a temporary bridge, as well as a new Cane River Bridge built on an adjusted alignment with pedestrian facilities.
The current Cane River Bridge was built in 1936, and services an average of approximately 11,100 vehicles per day.
A number of factors are taken into consideration during the EA, including possible impacts to residents, businesses, wildlife, and bodies of water. The process also addresses public input that is gathered during meetings and through other avenues. It also ensures that any preferred build alternatives meet the purpose and need for the project.
At this time, the project is scheduled to go to bid in Fiscal Year 2023-2024, though letting dates can and often do change based on funding availability and other factors. The project is estimated to cost approximately $11.5 million.
To read more about the project and its importance to the downtown Natchitoches area – CLICK HERE.
All environmental documents can be accessed by clicking – DOCUMENTS.
Posey can’t put his name on a road but he can put a plaque on the bridge! 11K plus vehicles a day ?? Make Lee drive down Blanchard Rd!
Omg that’s great news. It’s also a sobering reminder as to why I didn’t put the build of my new home on hold. I purchased it in 2016 only to find out it was one of the sites for the “temp bridge.” That would be approximately 8 years of waiting to see if the bids go out in 2024. A special thanks goes out to all my neighbors on Williams Ave who had my back. God bless you all. Happy Easter y’all.
Given the speed of government, it should be finished by 2030 hopefully.
Fantastic, but I really don’t recall many potholes on the bridge. How about a little support for the road system. Infrastructure is failing in Natchitoches Parish.
Use that money to repair roads.
My sentiments exactly…..