Posted: Jul 15, 2022, 7:34 PM
There'll be no more detours for motorists hoping to drive Linton Rd. over Cypress Black Bayou. A new bridge over the reservoir was officially declared open to traffic Friday shortly after 4 p.m.
Motorists will see a new concrete structure replacing the old wooden piling bridge, complete with wider shoulders as an added safety feature. Contractors put the finishing touches on the $5 million project Friday, under the supervision of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
"This is wonderful for the all the people who live in the areas around the lake," said Bossier Parish Administrator Butch Ford. "We appreciate their patience and understanding while this project was being completed. And one of the great things is the contractor was able to finish before the schools open this year."
Ford said another fact that makes this project so good for Bossier Parish is the police jury and taxpayers did not have to come up with funding.
"This was paid for under the Off-System Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement Program, with the money coming from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the state of Louisiana," he said. "We didn't have to put up any money. This is a great program."
Under the program, the FHWA provides 80 percent of the funds and the state contributes 20 percent.