The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that 20 projects around the state received bids in November. Fourteen contractors presented apparent low bids totaling $75.2 million.

“We are pleased with the mix of projects and satisfied with the bids received. After three years of unprecedented inflation where construction costs have escalated by 100 percent, trends over the last several months provide optimism that bid prices may finally be stabilizing for many types of projects. Stability is the best we can hope for; we will never return to 2019 prices,” said DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda. “Louisiana’s citizens deserve the best transportation system possible, and this department will continue to deliver improved infrastructure for everybody with the resources it has.”

North Louisiana projects awarded and their apparent low bids are as follows:

Bridge Replacement and Repair

Replacement of bridges along LA 521 in Claiborne Parish: $6,037,354.40. LA 521 roughly parallels the Claiborne-Webster Parish line.

Congestion Mitigation and Safety

Intersection improvements on U.S. 165 at Lonewa Lane in Ouachita Parish: $1,377,500.90

Other

Sidewalks near I.A. Lewis Elementary School in Lincoln Parish: $540,018.33

Boom or Bust Scenic Viewing Area and other improvements to Earl G. Williamson Park in Caddo Parish: $434,150

When bids for projects are received, an “apparent low bidder” is identified, although the process of actually finalizing and awarding the contract takes about 30 days. Bid prices deemed outside of a certain range or exceeding the project budget typically trigger a more extensive evaluation. DOTD will continue to monitor increases in bid prices related to supply chain and workforce issues. After a review, DOTD may opt to have the project re-bid.