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[Grzrd]

In terms of the scheduling of future I-49 contracts, plans are currently available for 455-09-0006 and 455-09-0011, but not 455-09-0005.  My guess is that the three contracts will be let individually, without ties or "A + B" bidding arrangements, because the individual contracts are all fairly large and, since the relevant lengths of I-49 are being built substantially on new location, there is limited scope for scale economies through consolidation of traffic management.

As predicted, Section E of I-49 North (3.0 miles) will be let individually (on September 29).

http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/bidsinfo/bihq20100929.asp

Lead Project: 455-09-0006 Lead Federal No. : 0021(019) Parish(es): Caddo
Description: I-49 NORTH (JCT. LA 170 TO US 71)
Type: CLEARING & GRUBBING, GR., DR. STRUCTURES, CLASS II BC, SUPERPAVE ASPHALTIC CONCRETE PAVEMENT, CONC. SLAB SPAN BRIDGES, PRECAST PRESTRESSED CONC. GIRDER SPAN BRIDGES; ALT. A1, SUPERPAVE ASPH. CONC. PAVEMENT; ALT. A2, PCC PAVEMENT; & RELATED WORK.
 
Bidder Address City
State Zip
Code Phone Fax DBE\SE
Certified
Benton & Brown, LLC. 5626 HWY. 528 MINDEN, LA 71055 (318)377-8720 (318)371-1974  
James Construction Group LLC 11200 INDUSTRIPLEX BLVD.STE 150 BATON ROUGE, LA 70809 (225)295-4830 (866)
422-0865

By my count, this the 7th of the 11 "I-220 to Arkansas" segments to be let (along with Sections A, B, C, D, H, and I).  LADOTD I-49 North map: http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/i49north/map.pdf

Sections F & G still listed for an October letting: http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/lets8220.asp

Sections J & K still unfunded.

[Grzrd]

Got an email update this a.m. from LADOTD re Segment C of I-49 North.  Pertinent part is as follows:

The current work on segment C, from La. 2 to Mira-Myrtis Road included clearing, paving and building bridges. The majority of this work has already been completed, and the minor remaining items should be completed by the end of September.

[Grzrd]

A Fort Smith, Arkansas official has already reacted to Obama's announced infrastructure plan by requesting $330 million for work on I-49 near Fort Smith. (http://www.thecitywire.com/index.php?q=node/11713)  One year ago, in the recent round of TIGER discretionary grants, Louisiana requested $196 million to fund Segments E, J and K of I-49 North and complete the funding for I-49 North from I-220 to the Arkansas state line (Segment E - $38.8 million, Segment J - $60.5 million, and Segment K - $96.7 million). (http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/i49north/TIGER%20Grant%20Louisiana%209-14-09.pdf).   In response, Louisiana received zero dollars from the Feds for I-49 North.

Since the application for the TIGER grant, Louisiana has found another source to fund Segment E and a contract for grubbing work, etc. is scheduled to be let on September 29.  Not accounting for one year's worth of inflation, Louisiana still needs $157.2 million to fund Segments J & K.

If Obama's announced infrastructure plan comes to fruition in any manner, it will be interesting to see if Louisiana will request funds in partial or full amount of $157.2 million for I-49 North again.

[ShawnP]

No doubt here that LA will find a way to fund I-49 north thru state or federal funding. It's on the fast track and will get faster once traffic starts flowing on the brand new stretches. Hats off to LA for making this happen in hard budget times.

[Alps]

Assuming I go to the Texarkana meet, I'm going to want to spy some of the I-49 construction from AR 549 down to Shreveport.  (Unless that's part of the meet - please advise if so.)  Basically, is there a good, up to date map showing where construction is going on and where it hasn't yet  begun, so that I'm not turning down every single road?  Related questions: Is LA 3049 old 71?  Is future I-49 west or east of 3049?

[US71]

Assuming I go to the Texarkana meet, I'm going to want to spy some of the I-49 construction from AR 549 down to Shreveport.  (Unless that's part of the meet - please advise if so.)  Basically, is there a good, up to date map showing where construction is going on and where it hasn't yet  begun, so that I'm not turning down every single road?  Related questions: Is LA 3049 old 71?  Is future I-49 west or east of 3049?

The plan was to follow Future I-49 to near Hosston (LA 2 East).

71=3049: insufficient data, but I suspect at least part of it is.

I've already driven many of the county roads in the area to check construction

As of March 2010, most of the work was going on in Louisiana:
-bridges on LA 168 over Future I-49 (west of Ida)
-bridges on Future I-49 over Myra-Myrtis Rd
-bridges on 71 over Future I-49 (and some preliminary paving on 49 itself)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=goodson,+la&sll=32.917314,-93.88577&sspn=0.021615,0.032916&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=32.920016,-93.887787&spn=0.041428,0.065832&z=14&layer=c&cbll=32.920357,-93.887712&panoid=jzSK4AD2-KoaYnEI9WOvnQ&cbp=12,27.02,,0,-0.75
-LA 2 east of Hosston: no work, signs only

Future 49 crosses 71 twice, but I don't have the exact info handy. I am guessing 49 will pass east of Gilliam and LA 3049



Arkansas:
There was some preliminary work at the south end of AR 549
Miller County Rd 2: trees were being cleared along the Right of Way
Miller CR 4: Road Work signs, but no apparent work

There was also notice from AHTD about I-30 being closed a couple days this past week:
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/sep/03/lanes-close-i-30-texarkana-week/
Probably to raise bridge girders for I-130/I-49

The way my show schedule is looking, I may not make it back that way until November to investigate further.

[Grzrd]

Here is LADOTD's web page on I-49 North: http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/i49north/
There is also a link to a map of the project on that page, most recently updated as of June 29.

The only Segments which have had final paving, signing, etc. contracts let are Segment A and Segment B.
The rest of the "Completion Dates" on the page are for the initial grubbing, etc. contracts.
Segment C's grubbing work is supposed to be finished by the end of this month.
Segment A is supposed to be completed next month.
Segment B currently on track to be completed in March, 2011.
Segment E's grubbing contract will be let on September 29.
Segment F's grubbing contract tentatively scheduled for October.
Segment G's grubbing contract tentatively scheduled for October.
Segment C's final paving, signing, etc. contract has not yet been tentatively scheduled as through Feb., 2011.
Grubbing work for Segments H and I should have started by now.
No motorists will be allowed on A & B before 2013.  Provides a great opportunity for "up close" inspection of Segment A and, possibly by time of meet, Segment B.
Road Scholar may be amenable to bottle rocket wars and/or hot-rodding on Segment A.

EDIT - ADDITIONAL THOUGHT

IIRC AHTD has 2 separate current grubbing, etc. projects underway from current end of AR 549 to LA state line.  I think dividing line for 2 projects is Co. Road 2, with the section closest to AR 549 having been let first.  By time of meet, you should have some pretty good viewing opportunities.

[US71]

No motorists will be allowed on A & B before 2013.  Provides a great opportunity for "up close" inspection of Segment A and, possibly by time of meet, Segment B.
Road Scholar may be amenable to bottle rocket wars and/or hot-rodding on Segment A.

Not likely. I might be interested in inspecting the work, but no bottle rockets: too many people looking for "terrorists" these days... (and I'm only half joking)

[ShawnP]

Bottle rockets in Louisana nawwwwwwww nothing too much out of the ordinary.

[Grzrd]

Not likely. I might be interested in inspecting the work, but no bottle rockets: too many people looking for "terrorists" these days... (and I'm only half joking)

Better also be careful about vehicle choice for the meet.  Local law enforcement may have same concerns as FSPD:

Sgt. Danny Baker, head of the Fort Smith Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, has been doing extensive research on outlaw biker gangs and the crimes their members have been accused and convicted of committing across the nation.
“Any time you open up a major thoroughfare, you’re opening it up to the possibility of that type of activity,” Baker said. “There’s certainly been instances of bikers carrying drugs on the interstate systems.”
Baker said that although the Police Department is concerned about what he describes as an outlaw biker presence in and around Fort Smith, there is no reason to believe that outlaw bikers are using the interstate systems or will use I-49 for crimes such as drug trafficking.
Nevertheless, Baker said I-49 likely will attract drug traffickers.
“Are we expecting an increase in drugs passing through on it? Certainly, any major routes around here are well known drug arteries,” he said. “If we have a north/south route (such as I-49), we can only expect the same.”

(http://www.swtimes.com/news/article_e5a0673e-bb5f-11df-85e7-001cc4c002e0.html)

[Grzrd]

Assuming I go to the Texarkana meet, I'm going to want to spy some of the I-49 construction from AR 549 down to Shreveport.

Perhaps more viewing pleasure will be available by the time of the Texarkana meet.  LADOTD recently moved anticipated letting date for Segment F from October to November and left anticipated letting date for Segment G in October, which strongly suggests that the Segment G grubbing, etc. contract will be let in October:

http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/lets8220.asp

Caddo  Oct 2010  455-09-0011  I 49  I-49 North (La 169 - La 530) Seg G  New Interstate (Segment G)  $30,000,000 to $50,000,000  4.78  Umeozulu, Joe  Jun 2010  
Caddo  Nov 2010  455-09-0005  I 49  I-49 North (La 530 - La 170) Seg F  New Interstate (Segment F)  $20,000,000 to $30,000,000  3.29  Umeozulu, Joe  May 2010

[Grzrd]

Segment E of I-49 North was let on Sept. 29: http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/bidsresl/brhq20100929.asp

455-09-0006 (DBE Goal Project) I-49 NORTH (JCT. LA 170 TO US 71)
CLEARING & GRUBBING, GR., DR. STRUCTURES, CLASS II BC, SUPERPAVE ASPHALTIC CONCRETE PAVEMENT, CONC. SLAB SPAN BRIDGES, PRECAST PRESTRESSED CONC. GIRDER SPAN BRIDGES; ALT. A1, SUPERPAVE ASPH. CONC. PAVEMENT; ALT. A2, PCC PAVEMENT; & RELATED WORK.
Parish(es): Caddo
Route(s): I-49
Federal: 0021(019)
Estimated Construction Cost: $41,044,209.77
Apparent Low Bidder: James Construction Group Llc
11200 INDUSTRIPLEX BLVD.STE 150
BATON ROUGE, LA 70809
Phone: (225)295-4830  $38,926,189.64

Segment G of I-49 North has officially been listed for the October 27 letting: http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/bidsinfo/bihq20101027.asp

Lead Project: 455-09-0011 Lead Federal No. : 0900(539) Parish(es): Caddo
Description: I-49 NORTH (LA 169 - LA 530)
Type: CLR & GRUBB, GRADING, DRAINAGE STR, CLASS II BASE COURSE, SUPERPAVE ASPH CONC PAVEMENT, CONC SLAB SPAN BR, PRECAST PRESTRESSED CONC GRIDER SPAN BR; ALTERNATE A1, SUPERPAVE ASPH CONC PAVEMENT; ALTERNATE A2, PORTLAND CEMENT CONC PAVEMENT; & RELATED WORK.
 
Bidder Address City
State Zip
Code Phone Fax DBE\SE
Certified
Brudd Construction Co., LLC 565 HWY 453 MARKSVILLE, LA 71351 (318)253-0747 (318)253-0749 DBE
Pac Unlimited, Inc. PO BOX 789 CALHOUN, LA 71225 (318)644-5911 (318)644-5913 DBE
Stars & Stripes Traffic Sys., LLC. 5790 GENE BALL DR ALEXANDRIA, LA 71302 (318)442-5921 (318)442-0288

Tentative letting date for Segment F of I-49 North has been moved from November to December: http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/lets8220.asp

Caddo  Dec 2010  455-09-0005  I 49  I-49 North (La 530 - La 170) Seg F  New Interstate (Segment F)  $20,000,000 to $30,000,000  3.29  Umeozulu, Joe  May 2010

[Grzrd]

I apparently misinterpreted LADOTD's I-49 North webpage.  According to LADOTD (via email today), Segment C, like Segment A, is essentially complete:

Segment C is not on the "Projects to Be Let Within 6 Months" page because it has already been let (in April 2008) . The current work on segment C, from La. 2 to Mira-Myrtis Road included clearing, paving and building bridges. The majority of this work has already been completed, and minor items remain to be completed.

I'm guessing that, post- Segments A & B, LADOTD's lettings have been for the entire project.  I had assumed, given below info, from I-49 North webpage, that Segment C, etc. would have a "final" paving, bridgework, etc. contract:

Construction Completion Schedules
Arkansas state line to La. 168, Segment A, paving and bridges - Summer 2010
La 168 to Mira-Myrtis Road, Segment B, paving and bridges - Fall 2010
Mira-Myrtis Road to La 2, Segment C, clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving - Summer 2010
La 2 to U.S. 71, Segment D, clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving - Fall 2011
La. 170 to U.S. 71, Segment E (partially funded), clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving
La. 530 to La. 170, Segment F, clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving - Fall 2011 - Summer 2012 La 530 to La 169, Segment G, clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving - Summer 2012
La. 173 to La. 169, Segment H, clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving - Fall 2011
La. 1 to La. 173, Segment I, clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving - Spring 2013
I-220 to La. 1, Segments J-K (unfunded), clearing and grubbing, drainage, embankment and paving

(http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/i49north/)

All the more completed work for SW Arkansas Meet attendees to see in the Spring (I think).

Any recent visual confirmations?

[ShawnP]

So close yet so far with those last two sections and the Inner City Connector to go. I say LA will find the money for the last two sections within the next year. Well the ICC is a different story. I do seem to sense from a distance that the normal inner city resistance to a Interstate isn't there. In fact from what I read and hear that the locals want it badly and sooner than later. Hopefully LA can build the Inner City Connector to a six laner with bridges easily expandable.

[Grzrd]

Segment G of I-49 North (4.78 miles) was let on October 27: http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/bidsresl/brhq20101027.asp

455-09-0011 (DBE Goal Project) I-49 NORTH (LA 169 - LA 530)
CLR & GRUBB, GRADING, DRAINAGE STR, CLASS II BASE COURSE, SUPERPAVE ASPH CONC PAVEMENT, CONC SLAB SPAN BR, PRECAST PRESTRESSED CONC GRIDER SPAN BR; ALTERNATE A1, SUPERPAVE ASPH CONC PAVEMENT; ALTERNATE A2, PORTLAND CEMENT CONC PAVEMENT; & RELATED WORK.
Parish(es): Caddo
Route(s): I-49
Federal: 0900(539)
Estimated Construction Cost: $36,630,905.88
Apparent Low Bidder: James Construction Group Llc
11200 INDUSTRIPLEX BLVD.STE 150
BATON ROUGE, LA 70809
Phone: (225)295-4830  $36,439,346.06

Eight of the eleven I-49 North segments have now been let.

Segment F still scheduled for a tentative December letting: http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/lets8220.asp

Caddo  Dec 2010  455-09-0005  I 49  I-49 North (La 530 - La 170) Seg F  New Interstate (Segment F)  $20,000,000 to $30,000,000  3.29  Umeozulu, Joe  May 2010

 

[Grzrd]

Well the ICC is a different story. I do seem to sense from a distance that the normal inner city resistance to a Interstate isn't there. In fact from what I read and hear that the locals want it badly and sooner than later. Hopefully LA can build the Inner City Connector to a six laner with bridges easily expandable.

ICC still proceeding slowly.  Stage 0 feasibility study complete: http://www.i49shreveport.com/documents.php.  Got an e-mail update from Providence Engineering: ICC is high priority for NLCOG & they are trying to procure funding for Stage 1 & Interchange Justification studies. It is currently anticipated that those studies will begin in approximately 6 months.

I find it interesting that the community wants at least part of the ICC to be elevated:  Interesting contrast to I-10/ Claiborne boulevardization debate in NO.

[Hot Rod Hootenanny]

Well the ICC is a different story. I do seem to sense from a distance that the normal inner city resistance to a Interstate isn't there. In fact from what I read and hear that the locals want it badly and sooner than later. Hopefully LA can build the Inner City Connector to a six laner with bridges easily expandable.

ICC still proceeding slowly.  Stage 0 feasibility study complete: http://www.i49shreveport.com/documents.php.  Got an e-mail update from Providence Engineering: ICC is high priority for NLCOG & they are trying to procure funding for Stage 1 & Interchange Justification studies. It is currently anticipated that those studies will begin in approximately 6 months.

I find it interesting that the community wants at least part of the ICC to be elevated:  Interesting contrast to I-10/ Claiborne boulevardization debate in NO.

But comparing the folks in Shreveport to New Orleans is like comparing NYC to Kansas.

[Grzrd]

Well the ICC is a different story ... the normal inner city resistance to a Interstate isn't there.

I find it interesting that the community wants at least part of the ICC to be elevated:  Interesting contrast to I-10/ Claiborne boulevardization debate in NO.

But comparing the folks in Shreveport to New Orleans is like comparing NYC to Kansas.

I agree Treme probably has more historical significance than Allendale, but I believe the communities face similar challenges (and re Allendale perhaps perceived opportunities) regarding interstates running through them.    Wasn't trying to compare greater Big Easy to greater Shreveport.

[UptownRoadGeek]

I find it interesting that the community wants at least part of the ICC to be elevated:  Interesting contrast to I-10/ Claiborne boulevardization debate in NO.

To be honest (and off-topic), I think most people in the N.O. would rather see the I-10 rebuilt as a modern elevated expressway than be torn down. Those pushing the idea of removing it are developers and urban planners who are looking to gentrify and then you have to yuppie types who jumped on the bandwagon, not caring how it affects the bulk of the area.

[Grzrd]

I have looked at the construction plans for all the I-49 jobs in Louisiana which have plans available, and all of the lengths involved (according to the signing plans) are to be signed as I-49.

A recent email from LADOTD confirms that I-49 North will be initially signed as I-49.  Also, mileage for mile markers will be based on I-220 routing.  If and when ICC ever built, mile markers will be changed to reflect that routing.  Relevant part of email:

The new segment of I-49 from I-220 to Arkansas will be signed as I-49. Currently, we only have approval for the routing of I-49 that overlaps I-20 and I-220. The section that runs through Shreveport probably will not be open to traffic for quite some time. Once the section is built between I-20 and 220, the exit numbers on the north section will be changed.

[Anthony_JK]

Well....they better save some of those mileposts, because if they don't build the IICC through downtown Shreveport before they build I-49 South from Lafayette to New Orleans, they are going to have to change their mileage markers a third time.

On the other hand, the fact that LaDOTD seems committed to building the IICC is nice. Now, where are they going to find the money??



Anthony

[US71]

Having just returned from a trip through Louisiana, I can update the construction status:

-north of Gilliam: construction underway on the east side of US 71 (49 will pass over 71), bridge embankment less than 25 percent complete

-east of Hosston: construction underway at LA 2 (49 passing over LA 2), bridge embankments less than 50 percent complete

-north of Hosston: construction complete (49 passing under US 71, no interchange)

-west of Mira: construction roughly 50 percent complete at Mira-Myrtis Rd (49 passing over Mira-Myrtis Rd, also realignment of M-M Rd between I-49 and US 71)

-west of Ida: construction roughly 95 percent complete at LA 168 (49 passing under LA 168 which is 4-Lanes divided, plus left turn lanes)

[Grzrd]

Did you have a chance to check on 5 mile section on Arkansas side of state line?

[US71]

Did you have a chance to check on 5 mile section on Arkansas side of state line?

Yes, I did.

Miller CR 41: mostly preliminary dirt work.  I-49 parallels the road

71 @ AR 549: dirt embankments still u/c on both sides of 71 and end of 549. I'm guessing less than 50 percent complete

AR 245: preliminary dirt work to the east of AR 245 just south of I-30. Less than 25 percent complete

19th St Interchange is about 75 percent finished. Overpass is complete, but work continues on ramps and rebuilding 245.

Also appears to be some work on 245 at US 82, but it was getting too dark to see.

[Grzrd]

Having just returned from a trip through Louisiana, I can update the construction status:
-north of Gilliam: construction underway on the east side of US 71 (49 will pass over 71), bridge embankment less than 25 percent complete
-east of Hosston: construction underway at LA 2 (49 passing over LA 2), bridge embankments less than 50 percent complete
-north of Hosston: construction complete (49 passing under US 71, no interchange)
-west of Mira: construction roughly 50 percent complete at Mira-Myrtis Rd (49 passing over Mira-Myrtis Rd, also realignment of M-M Rd between I-49 and US 71)
-west of Ida: construction roughly 95 percent complete at LA 168 (49 passing under LA 168 which is 4-Lanes divided, plus left turn lanes)

Apparently, more work is coming.  Segment F is on track for a Dec. 15 letting: http://www.dotd.la.gov/lettings/bidsinfo/bihq20101215.asp

Lead Project: 455-09-0005 Lead Federal No. : 0021(017) Parish(es): Caddo
Description: I-49 NORTH (LA 530 TO LA 170), Segment F
Type: GRADING; DRAINAGE STRUCTURES; CLASS II BASE COURSE; SLAB SPAN AND PRESTRESSED GIRDER BRIDGES; ALTERNATE AA1, SUPERPAVE ASPHALTIC CONCRETE PAVEMENT; ALTERNATE AA2, PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT; AND RELATED WORK.

On the other hand, the fact that LaDOTD seems committed to building the IICC is nice. Now, where are they going to find the money??
Anthony

Segment F will be 9th of 11 I-49 North segments to be let.  I just hope they can find the money soon for the remaining two, Segments J & K, much less the ICC!