The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of five rural bridges in Winn Parish.
Four bridges are located on LA 1232 east of Bethlehem and one is on LA 1231-1 in Winnfield.
“The replacement of these bridges by own in-house crews with funding allocated by Rep. McFarland underscores the importance of the collaboration between the department and our elected officials,” DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet Jr. said. “By embracing cooperation and teamwork, we were able to provide these modernized structures to the community on a highly accelerated timeline.”
During the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, House Bill 2 appropriated up to $2.5 million from the Transportation Trust Fund for the bridges’ construction. DOTD’s statewide crews began work in late 2024 while district forces in the Alexandria region did asphalt paving to tie-in the roadway to the bridge.
State Rep. Jack McFarland (R- Winn Parish), stakeholders, and state and local officials also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The reopening of these four rural bridges is a significant step toward improving infrastructure and connectivity for communities,” McFarland said. “These bridges represent more than just physical structures; they symbolize the investment in the future of rural areas.”