New Union Pacific bridge to boost freshwater flow into Bayou Lafourche

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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Union Pacific Railroad broke ground this week with the construction of a new bridge over Bayou Lafourche in Donaldsonville, La., a popular travel destination just 45 minutes from New Orleans. Towering 102 feet, the bridge will replace the current crossing in its place constructed from box culverts.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016 and is said to be part of overarching state efforts to reintroduce freshwater into the bayou from the Mississippi River.

Director of Public Affairs Drew Tessier says although the current crossing meets Union Pacific‘s operational requirements, the new project better aligns with the company’s commitment to the environment.

“Once the bridge is complete, water will flow unimpeded through the crossing, allowing immediate increased pumping capacity,” said Ben Malbrough, executive director of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District. “The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District can move forward on a project that more than doubles their pumping capacity into Bayou Lafourche [and] makes the potable water source for over 300,000 people more resilient. Desperately needed fresh water will be provided to combat saltwater intrusion and prevent further wetland loss in lower Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.”

Phase one of the project includes building a temporary bridge stretching above the bayou and along the existing track, allowing cranes and other equipment better mobility on the construction site without disrupting usual train and pedestrian traffic. The completed project will have 45 pilings supporting the new structure, which will allow for two sets of railroad tracks.

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