By: Contech Engineered Solutions
Flooding Challenges and Solutions in Louisiana’s River Parishes: The Need for Protection
The River Parishes of Louisiana, including St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist, have long endured flooding. However, in 2022, after decades of delays, a major levee construction project began to shield these communities. This project’s centerpiece is the construction of the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Levee. This large barrier aims to protect the area from 100-year storms, benefiting 60,000 people.
Overcoming Construction Challenges
Yet, the levee’s location in a marshland presented unique problems. The lack of roads made it hard for construction crews and equipment to reach the site. To address this, engineers carefully examined the land and equipment needs for the levee construction project. Their findings highlighted the need for nine access roads, totaling 13 miles, to allow trucks to easily move between the highways and the levee.
An Innovative Solution
To overcome this obstacle, St. John the Baptist Parish and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) teamed up with Contech Engineered Solutions. In a collaborative effort, they devised a clever solution: utilizing corrugated metal pipe structures for the access roads. This ingenious approach not only proved to be efficient but also remarkably cost-effective, ultimately streamlining the entire levee construction process.
Rapid Installation and Progress
In early 2023, construction crews promptly initiated the installation of polymer-coated, corrugated metal pipe road crossings. To begin, they completed a 72-inch, four-section structure. Subsequently, they constructed a 60-inch diameter access road. Fortunately, a nearby Contech factory expedited the building and delivery of pipe parts, which significantly accelerated the process. Within a mere matter of days, crews successfully installed and filled the pipes, thus creating a robust base for the road above. Indeed, these roads proved crucial in maintaining the momentum and keeping the construction of the new levee on track.
A Safer Future
In the end, the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection Project will be a significant step in safeguarding the residents of St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes. As a result of this project, upon completion, this strong barrier will offer much-needed protection from hurricanes and storm surges. Ultimately, this will ensure a safer and more resilient future for these communities.
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