DOTD readies for Huey P. Long widening project

The Louisiana Dept. of Transportation and Development (DOTD) recently received the final environmental permit for construction to begin on the Huey P. Long Bridge over the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish.

"Letting the first contract for the bridge widening project is a significant milestone for the TIMED program, DOTD and the New Orleans area," said DOTD Secretary Johnny Bradberry. "DOTD is proud to announce this letting for a major project in an area that was affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"DOTD is committed to continuing progress on pre-hurricane planned transportation projects while also rebuilding and restoring transportation corridors affected by the hurricanes," Bradberry said. "The Huey P. Long Bridge is vital to the infrastructure of Jefferson Parish and the surrounding New Orleans area and this project remains a priority for Louisiana."

The completed project will include three 11-ft. lanes in each direction, along with new inside and outside shoulders across the bridge. The project also includes the construction of new roadway approaches that will provide signalized intersections at Bridge City Avenue and Jefferson Highway.

The three-phase project is scheduled to be finished by December 2010. The first construction phase, which should begin this month, will include the widening and the strengthening of the substructure. Drivers should not see any significant construction-related delays because the contractor will perform most of the construction from beneath the bridge.

Phase two will let for construction in mid 2006 and will include widening the main span superstructure. Phase three, scheduled to begin in late 2006, includes building the approaches.

James Construction Group receives levee repair contracts

James Construction Group LLC has been awarded three separate contracts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform levee repair work in Orleans Parish. The contracts, which total $34.5 million, all involve construction on the New Orleans East Back Levee.

"Our company is proud to be part of the reconstruction efforts in New Orleans," said JCG Senior Vice President Danny Hester. "JCG believes strongly that restoring this historic port city is vital both for its residents and for the state's economy and cultural heritage."

Work activities on the first project involve strengthening the New Orleans East Back Levee adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and restoring it to elevations that existed prior to Hurricane Katrina. Achieving that goal requires that JCG utilize about 1 million cu. yds. of soil that the company is acquiring from a borrow source outside of New Orleans and transporting to the jobsite. The project also entails clearing and grubbing, seeding and fertilizing, and placement of semi-compacted and compacted levee fill.

JCG is also performing modifications to Pump Station No. 15 and the floodgate at the CSX railroad tracks. Activities on these projects include removing existing steel sheet piling, driving steel H piles, placing reinforced concrete T walls and driving new sheet piling to halt the flow of subsurface water.

As part of its commitment to the state's economic development, JCG is using Louisiana suppliers and a local subcontractor for the seeding and fertilizing portion of the work.

JCG provides construction services to both public and private clients nationwide.

Gootee Construction announces new company to oversee general construction work

Gootee Construction Inc., a Metairie-based general and mechanical construction company, recently announced the formation of Ryan Gootee General Contractors LLC to oversee all general construction work.

Gootee Construction has operated as a general and mechanical contractor in Metairie for the past 14 years. The company has completed many high-profile projects in the New Orleans metro area including The National D-Day Museum, new buildings at Jesuit High School and at the University of New Orleans. Leading the company since its formation are owners Patrick Gootee, president, Kenneth Gootee, vice president, Kathy Gootee, CFO, and Elaine Gootee, vice president of human resources.

Ryan P. Gootee will assume the position of president of Ryan Gootee General Contractors. Ryan oversaw all general construction for Gootee Construction since 1999. Kenneth Gootee will become president of Gootee Construction, which will now operate as a prime mechanical contractor.

"I believe New Orleans is poised to welcome back her citizens who are filled with the energy and optimism needed to rebuild their home. I look forward to playing a major role in that rebirth," said Ryan. "Ryan Gootee General Contractors is ready to renovate and restore the buildings of New Orleans' past and looks forward to building for its bright future."

Gootee Construction has resumed business in its Metairie office following hurricane Katrina. Both companies are actively involved in the rebuilding of Jesuit High School, Brother Martin High School, Christian Brothers School, the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and the Blood Center, among other projects.

R&R Construction supports Medina Scholarship

Due to the rising concern over safety for the Hispanic workforce, R&R Construction Inc. of Sulphur recently donated $10,000 to support the Medina Scholarship for Hispanics in Safety.

Ronny Lovett, owner of R&R Construction, said, "R&R Construction is proud to support this ASSE Foundation scholarship program aiding bilingual students pursuing a degree in safety. These Spanish-speaking students can in turn help make a difference in preventing injuries and illnesses for the Hispanic workforce."

Founded in 1995, R&R Construction is a general contractor providing construction and maintenance services to various industries, including refining, petrochemical and power.

The scholarship, given by the American Society of Safety Engineers, is named after ASSE member Rixio Medina of Houston. Through this scholarship program, $1,000 will be awarded each spring to an undergraduate or graduate in occupational safety, fire protection, industrial hygiene or a related field in safety.

Students must be bilingual in Spanish-English, be an ASSE member/student member, have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and be recommended by a safety faculty member. Scholarship applicants of Hispanic ethnicity will be given special consideration.

Wampold breaks ground on new Crescent Condominiums

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden, Metro Councilman Mickey Skyring, developer Mike Wampold and other guests recently broke ground on the new $45 million Crescent at University Lake condominium development.

The groundbreaking took place on the site of the luxury residence community, located across from Baton Rouge Beach overlooking Louisiana State University. The project should be completed by mid 2007.

The Crescent at University Lake includes 90 condos. In the first two weeks of the project's announcement, more than 50 condos were sold, representing more than $30 million in sales.

The Crescent is being developed by Wampold Companies, and is estimated to create 250 temporary and permanent jobs.