Approaching the bridge below the south rail approach
Photo taken by Nathan Morton in July 2010
BH Photo #169431
During the design for the rebuild / upgrade of the bridge, innovative techniques such as soil testing, research, and experimentation were undertaken by Moran to determine the best course of action. Additionally, a new type of caisson was developed, along with Siemes-Helmer’s “sand island” pier foundations, to successfully construct the bridge’s foundations. The innovative engineering techniques used in the construction of the bridge were recognized in 2012 when it was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, citing it as “an example of how engineers push the limits of their knowledge of materials, design theories, and methods to advance the state of the art of engineering.”
From Louisiana Statewide Historic Bridge Inventory. The included quote is from:
Louisiana Timed Managers, “Huey P. Long Bridge Dedicated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark,” press release dated 28 September 2012
The entire bridge is owned by the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), which is owned by the City of New Orleans and managed by the Public Belt Railroad Commission. The center railroad portion of the bridge is maintained by NOPB RR, and the outer highway lanes are maintained by the Louisiana Department of Transportation. The Sunset Limited passenger train has crossed this bridge since it opened in 1935, and continues to cross it today under Amtrak management.
http://www.timedla.com/bridge/long/overview/
Is a discussion and notes page for the widening of this bridge. It is a unique widening of the truss structure while the bridge remains open.
Really a neat concept
The middle cantilevered span is fascinating. I have not noticed one like it before.
An engineering description of the project:
http://www.modernsteel.com/Uploads/Issues/September_2010/092...
Mainly a railroad bridge, the auto lanes were 1930s 18 foot with pipe railing. It was a pretty exciting motorcycle ride: massive steel and perhaps a train along one side and barely anything between you and the river far below on the other side.
Their renderings seem to show that they're taking great care to copy the existing design in the expansion, right down to the beam stylings and cross-lacing. Is this true? It seems to me that they expect the structure to last forever as rarely do I see anyone make such a large investment to remodel an existing bridge (especially one 75 years old!) in favor of new construction! Then again, rail bridges do seem to last nearly forever just because of how their built and the matter-of-fact way in which rail companies keep them maintained.
This bridge is going through a dramatic transformation to say the least. Trusses added to the roadways, makes awesome sense. Will be a neat crossing once it is all done.
This is an incredible bridge! Adding some Street Views to show this.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is currently undertaking a project to widen the vehicular lanes on the span. The project will take a while, so if you need to cross via the Huey P Long bridge, exercise caution while they work on it!
Longest railroad bridge in the US
http://wgno.com/2015/04/27/watch-strong-winds-knocks-over-tr...