A Note from the Project Manager - Paulo Andre

Dear Southwest Louisiana Community,

It is difficult to believe that two full years have passed since our project officially launched in August 2024. Even before our official groundbreaking ceremony in late April of this year, our team has been deeply invested in advancing this vital infrastructure for the region.

In my role as Project Manager, reflecting on this journey fills me with immense gratitude for our team and everything we are achieving together right here in Southwest

Louisiana. The milestone that holds the most meaning for me is reaching this two-year mark with zero recordable lost-time safety incidents. To us, safety is never merely a policy; it is a sacred duty we assume every morning when we put on our boots and hard hats. Our ultimate commitment is ensuring that every single worker returns home safely to their families at the end of their shift, and this safety milestone is a testament to the deep discipline and careful vigilance of our entire crew.

This project team is truly an international family, bringing together global experts who have proudly joined forces with our outstanding local workforce to build this bridge. On behalf of myself and everyone who has traveled to Southwest Louisiana to be part of this endeavor, I want to express my most sincere thanks for your wonderful hospitality and for welcoming us into your community.

As construction progress becomes more visible, we recognize that building a project of this massive scale will cause some temporary inconveniences. You will see heavy construction equipment, lane readjustments, and a high volume of activity in the project corridor that will temporarily impact those living, working, and driving in the area. We deeply appreciate your patience during this phase. Each of these temporary disruptions brings us one step closer to delivering a safer, modern, and magnificent new bridge that will reliably serve this community for generations to come.

I invite you to stay engaged and updated on our progress by following our social media channels, visiting our project website, and subscribing to our official Bridge Bulletin newsletter.

Thank you for your ongoing patience, your trust in our work, and the incredible hospitality you show us each day.

Warm regards,

Paulo Andre

Project Manager

I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Project

Two Years Strong: Cultivating a Culture of Workplace Safety

At the end of August, the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Project team took a well-deserved pause to celebrate a monumental achievement: two full years without a single recordable safety incident or lost-time injury.

To mark the occasion, a safety celebration was held to thank the dedicated workforce who made this milestone possible. Even during periods when the volume of work fluctuated, the commitment to safe practices never wavered, with subcontractors consistently executing their tasks safely and effectively.

Toni Locock, Safety Director for the project, emphasized that this track record is no accident.

"Safety is the number one priority for this project," she noted. "We started this project with a good safety culture in mind, and we are carefully executing that plan."

That proactive safety culture begins the moment an employee joins the team. Every new hire completes a comprehensive, week-long safety orientation. From there, the commitment is reinforced daily on the ground through daily risk assessments, daily safety meetings, and a broader weekly safety meeting.

The project’s leadership team also maintains a rigorous inspection schedule. Supervisors conduct weekly safety inspections of their work areas, while foremen complete them daily. To ensure that every voice is heard, the site utilizes an open observation program where anyone can anonymously report concerns at any time. Furthermore, an active safety committee plays a vital role in contributing to the project's reward and recognition program.

"We are pleased that our commitment to safety is taken seriously by every member of our team,” said Raquel Garcia, project director for Louisiana Bridge Builders. “Sometimes it's easy to forget that behind the digging and the lifting and the moving and the building are real people. People who live here, people who have families here, people who are committed to building the best bridge for their community. It's our commitment to them that we will continue doing all we can to keep them safe on the jobsite."

For Locock and the rest of the leadership team, the metrics and protocols all point toward one shared goal. "The best part of the day is seeing everyone go home safely," Locock said.

The team is constantly striving to eliminate hazards and encourages a culture where people feel empowered to speak up if they spot a problem. The ultimate motivation for working safely isn't just about project metrics; it's about the workers themselves, their co-workers, and the families who rely on them to come home healthy.

"We have a great deal of experience here on this project," Locock shared, looking ahead to the future of the construction. "We look forward to it being not just a great bridge to look at and use, but also one of the safest."

Congratulations to the entire I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge team on two years of working smart, looking out for one another, and keeping safety at the forefront of every shift.

Louisiana Bridge Builders Launches "Kid Zone" to

Inspire the Next Generation of Engineers and Builders

Interactive STEM Experience Brings Bridge Building, Construction Safety,

and Engineering to Schools and Community Events

The Louisiana Bridge Builders Kid Zone is excited to announce a new interactive educational program designed to introduce children to the exciting world of bridge construction, engineering, and skilled trades through hands-on STEM activities and engaging presentations.

The Louisiana Bridge Builders Kid Zone is a mobile educational experience that can travel to local schools, city festivals, community events, career days, STEM expos, libraries, and youth organizations throughout Southwest Louisiana. The program is designed to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and help students discover rewarding careers in engineering, construction, transportation, and infrastructure.

"Our goal is simple," said Michelle Guidry, Commercial & Stakeholder Assistant for Louisiana Bridge Builders. "We want every child to know that bridges don't just happen. They're designed, built, and maintained by dedicated people working together. Through fun, hands-on experiences, we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers, construction professionals, and community leaders."

Examples of activities include:

Bridge-building STEM challenges using popsicle sticks and other materials
Construction equipment exploration and demonstrations
Bridge-themed coloring and activity books
Construction safety lessons featuring proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
Interactive classroom presentations aligned with STEM concepts
Engineering design challenges and problem-solving activities
Junior Bridge Builder certificates
Word searches, mazes, matching games, and bridge-related educational activities

Louisiana Bridge Builders also offers age-appropriate classroom presentations for elementary schools. Each presentation encourages students to ask questions, think creatively, and see how science and engineering help build stronger communities.

The Louisiana Bridge Builders Kid Zone is also available for community events like school STEM nights, school career days, city events, library programs, youth organization meetings, family fun days, and more.

The interactive displays are designed to engage children while creating memorable learning experiences for families.

Patricia Prebula, the I10-Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Project public information manager, states, “The Kid Zone was inspired by the rebuilding of the Calcasieu River Bridge and Louisiana Bridge Builders celebrates the people who design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that connects our communities. Through education, creativity, and hands-on learning, the program encourages young people to dream big and consider careers that shape the future of Louisiana.”

Interested in Hosting the Louisiana Bridge Builders Kid Zone?

Schools, municipalities, community organizations, and event planners interested in scheduling the Louisiana Bridge Builders Kid Zone or a classroom presentation are encouraged to contact Michelle Guidry at 337-425-6378 or email michelle.guidry@lbbi10.com to discuss available educational opportunities and event partnerships.

Vendors interested in working on the project must register on the Procurement Portal to be considered for future engagement.

For job seekers, the careers page lists current available positions.

Stay In Touch

Get the latest information

Public Information Officer

Phone: 337-895-9955

Email address: info@i10calcasieubridge.com

Website: www.i10calcasieubridge.com

For previous bulletins, click here.