A recent LADOTD bridge inspection of the W. 15th Avenue bridge at Mile Branch in Covington has found critical deficiencies in the substructure. As a result of these findings, DOTD is requiring St. Tammany Parish, which manages the Off-System Bridge Program for the State, to close the bridge to vehicular traffic. In addition, the bridge will be closed to bicyclists and pedestrians who utilize the Mile Branch crossing as part of the 15th Avenue bicycle, jogging, and walking path. St. Tammany Parish advised the City of Covington to close the bridge by April 1st and take steps to remedy the deficiencies.
The City is complying with the order and will place barricades and appropriate signs to notify the public of the closure and recommended detour routes. The City is moving forward with design work so that a contractor may be hired as quickly as possible to make the needed repairs. Construction time will be dependent on the final scope of work defined.
“We know the public will be inconvenienced while this busy roadway is closed and ask that our citizens plan for alternate routes when traveling in this area,” Mayor Mike Cooper. www.covla.com
