Bootlegger Road bridge replacement completed; access to Cordes Pavilion restored

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper, center, cuts the ribbon on a $3.7 million bridge replacement on Bootlegger Road on Friday morning, May 8, 2020. With him are, from left, Brian Hill of Baker Pile Drive, Lucas Hill of Baker Pile Drive, Robert Baker of Baker Pile Drive, Blake Roussel of Stanley Consultants, St. Tammany Parish Government Project Engineer Jason Cambre, parish Engineer Jay Watson, and parish Project Manager Chris Corvers. (Photo courtesy St. Tammany Parish Government)

By STHS Communication Department

After 10 months of construction – and 10 months of detours for many of those traveling to St. Tammany Health System’s Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion -- the Bootlegger Road bridge replacement over Timber Branch Creek has been completed.

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the completion of the $3.7 million project, and the reopening of the road, on Friday morning (May 8). 

“This essential investment in our infrastructure will provide multiple uses and will enhance traffic flow between Highway 21 and Highway 1077,” Cooper said in a parish-issued news release. “It also provides a safe option for physical activity and walkability in the area. We appreciate the patience of residents of our community during this important infrastructure improvement project.”

The project, which started in July 2019, included complete replacement of the bridge over Timber Branch Creek just east of the Weston Glen subdivision; a complete mill and overlay from the roundabout at Highway 1077 northeast on Bootlegger Road up to Highway 21; and the construction of a recreational path for non-motorized use on the south side of Bootlegger Road from Francis Road to Highway 21. 

Although the road has officially been reopened, touchup work by crews could disrupt traffic in coming weeks, although the road is expected to remain open, the parish says.