Eustis Engineering Services, L.L.C. performed the foundation design for the new Wisner Boulevard bridge over Interstate 610 between Harrison Avenue and Desaix Boulevard for Rahman & Associates, the Structural Engineer of Record for the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. As the Geotechnical Engineer of Record, Eustis Engineering drilled 13 soil borings and performed laboratory tests to make recommendations for the final design as incorporated into the plans and specifications. Additionally, Eustis Engineering is currently performing dynamic pile tests and will evaluate the results of dynamic and static testing to select job pile lengths.
The existing concrete-girder bridge will be demolished and replaced with a steel-girder span. Demolition was scheduled to get underway 10 December, and construction of this $19.5 million project should wrap up in early 2017. The new overpass will measure about 65 feet across — eight feet wider than the existing, half-century-old span — and will include two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction. It will also have a 12-foot-wide pedestrian and bike path as proposed by planners from the City of New Orleans.
Subsequent to the testing program, Eustis Engineering will perform additional dynamic testing of job piles and evaluate pile driving records and vibration monitoring results.