One of the highlights of the TIMED program is a new Mississippi River crossing located north of Baton Rouge. The John James Audubon Bridge will replace unreliable ferry service currently used to cross the river. It will also serve as the only bridge structure on the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and Natchez, Mississippi (approximately 90 river miles). The structure is named for John James Audubon, one of the world’s most renowned artists, who lived in a nearby community while painting his “Birds of America” series.

A unique aspect of the project is that it is the state’s first design-build transportation effort, and will serve as an example during consideration of future design-build programs. As part of the LTM joint venture, PB managed the design-build procurement process for the state, resulting in a successful contract award in 2006. LTM is also managing pre-construction activities, community outreach and design-build oversight. The John James Audubon Bridge is proposed to be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America when completed. It is scheduled to be opened to traffic in mid-2010.

For more information on the TIMED program, visit www.timedla.com. For details on the John James Audubon Bridge, visit www.audubonbridge.com.