10/09/2025
Road or Lane Status
PROJECT UPDATE - DOTD announces project to replace LA 516 bridge over Poland Branch in Bienville Parish
Wednesday, October 08, 2025 12:53 PM
PROJECT UPDATE - DOTD announces project to replace LA 516 bridge over Poland Branch in Bienville Parish
(UPDATE 10/8/2025): DOTD advises motorists that the ongoing project to replace the LA 516 bridge over Poland Branch in Bienville Parish is nearing completion.
Major construction work on the new bridge is finished, with the contractor currently working on pouring the approach slabs that allow the roadway to tie in to the new bridge structure.
The roadway approaches will then be overlayed with asphalt, and permanent striping & signage will be installed on the project.
DOTD anticipates being able to reopen the bridge to traffic in mid-November 2025, weather permitting.
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Original notification - March 2025:
BIENVILLE PARISH – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a $2.6 million project to remove and replace the LA 516 bridge over Poland Branch east of Fryeburg in Bienville Parish.
Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 31, 2025 to remove the existing bridge, which is located approximately 1.4 miles west of the intersection with LA 154. (see attached map)
Traffic will be detoured via LA 154 and US 371.
In addition to removal of the 64-year-old existing bridge, other construction activities include clearing and grubbing to remove vegetation in the work area, grading, drainage structures, asphalt milling, pavement patching, base course, lime treatment, asphalt overlay, and construction of a new modernized concrete structure.
The entire project is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2025, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.
Investing in the replacement of rural bridges like this one is a strategic use of taxpayer funding that supports the long-term sustainability and prosperity of local communities.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Additional information:
Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
The official website of the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development
