JEFFERSON, LA. — The $1.2 billion widening of the Huey P. Long Bridge in New Orleans — celebrated in a ceremony on June 17 — was completed approximately four months ahead of schedule and under budget. Expansion of the 1930s-era bridge began in April 2006 shortly after Hurricane Katrina and is the largest transportation construction project in the history of Louisiana. 

NEW ORLEANS — The landmark $1.2 billion Huey P. Long Expansion Project is set for completion on June 16, 2013, when the bridge will be fully open to drivers. The unprecedented bridge widening adds an additional travel lane and shoulders in each direction, expanding the bridge from two 9-foot travel lanes to three 11-foot travel lanes in each direction. The updated bridge accommodates increasing regional traffic flow and today’s increased load requirements. 

BURLINGTON, WASH. — Crews worked through the weekend making repairs, pouring concrete and finishing construction of the steel framework on the first of two temporary bridge spans designed to bridge the gap in the Interstate 5 Skagit River Bridge. 

EXTON, PA. — Bentley Systems, Incorporated is accepting submissions for the 2013 Be Inspired Awards competition. The deadline for entries is July 19, 2013. The awards, which are selected by an independent jury of industry experts, recognize the extraordinary and innovative work of organizations that help sustain the world’s infrastructure by designing, engineering, constructing, delivering, and/or operating better-performing, safer, and more resilient roads, buildings, plants, utility networks, and more. Over 20 award categories cover every aspect of the built environment in this uniquely comprehensive, global competition. 

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — The world’s first precast network arch bridge is changing the landscape of downtown Fort Worth, as the first two of 12 arches were recently placed. The W. 7th Street Bridge is the first-of-its-kind and will serve as a gateway to the city’s cultural district where buildings designed by luminaries such as Louis Khan, Tado Ando and Renzo Piano line the landscape.