LIT Pile Load Testing Project

As we plan and design the Louisiana International Terminal, we need to make sure the terminal will have a strong foundation before construction. First, we tested the soil on the property. Now, we are confirming the results of our soil studies with different field tests. The next step is to perform a series of pile load tests.

Preparation of the pile load test sites project began last month and the entire test is anticipated to wrap up in the spring of 2025.

Once testing starts, crews will be on-site weekly, Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays will be weather-related makeup days.

Single Lane Closures Expected This Week

On Wednesday, December 11, contractors will be onsite as part of the test site prep process. To ensure safe and efficient operations while completing some of this work, scheduled lane closures will occur on St. Bernard Highway between Violet Canal and Violet Playground during regular working hours, weather permitting.

Drivers can expect to see: 

• "Road Work Ahead," "One Lane Road Ahead," "Flagger,” “No Shoulder,” and "Reduced Speed Limit" signs in each direction
• Flagger stations to hold & direct traffic in each direction
• Traffic barrels and barricades
• Local law enforcement 

Anticipated Pile Load Test Schedule

Nov. 18, 2024 | On-Site Prep

Week of Nov. 18, 2024 | Crane Delivery and Assembly

Week of Dec. 16, 2024 | Crane Delivery and Assembly (anticipated to last two weeks)

Week of Jan. 6, 2025 | Delivery of Piles (anticipated to last one week)

Week of Jan. 13, 2025 | Pile Driving at Test Site 2 (TS-2) (anticipated to last one week)

Week of Jan. 20, 2025 | Delivery of Piles (anticipated to last one week)

Week of Jan. 20, 2025 | Pile Driving at Test Site 1 (TS-1) (anticipated to last two weeks)

Week of Feb. 3, 2025 | Pile Load Tests (anticipated to last three weeks)

Week of March 10, 2025 | Demobilize Test Site (anticipated to last two weeks)

Help Us Get the Message Out

We want to ensure that this information reaches as many residents of St. Bernard Parish as possible. Please help us spread the word by sharing our updates with your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and more! For those who would like to be added to our distribution list, please email LITInfo@portnola.com.

We invite you to learn more about the Louisiana International Terminal by visiting our website at louisianainternationalterminal.com or our Community Connection Office in Violet. We will be in our Violet office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 AM - 4:30 PM and are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays by virtual or in-person appointment. Email us at litinfo@portnola.com or call (504)528-3227 to make an appointment with our team.

Thank you,

Kylie Mills

Communications and Community Engagement Manager