A mess. That’s how some residents describe the current road situation around the drawbridge on Bayou Liberty Road in Slidell. And it’s likely to stay that way for some time.

In April of last year, construction began on a new movable bridge to span Bayou Liberty, taking the place of the historic pontoon bridge currently floating on the bayou.

That construction has just entered phase two, which has turned the two-lane road leading over the old pontoon bridge into one lane, District 62 Movable Bridge supervisor Dave Williams said. Even with stop lights working on either end of the bridge, the one-lane situation has created a traffic nightmare for residents living in the area, sometimes taking over 20 minutes during rush hour to cross the bayou.

The new drawbridge under construction on Bayou Liberty Road in Slidell has forced the two-lane road into one lane creating troublesome traffic congestion. (Staff Photo by Chad Ruiz)

It’s a mess right now, Williams said, but construction should kick into high gear and the new swing bridge, along with a newly paved road, are scheduled for an April installation, even though Williams predicts it to last longer than that.

The actual swing span of the new bridge is already in place along with the bridge house.

Now, Williams said the electronics and hydraulics need installing, which will take place over the next several months.

The construction crew is also responsible for the road leading to the bridge. Williams said everything within the work zone will be updated and repaved, including eliminating the dangerous S-bend in front of the nearby church.

The entire project is costing over $6 million with state money paying for about $1 million and federal money paying the rest.

Once the new bridge is constructed, the historic pontoon bridge, known by many as the singing bridge because of the shrieking made from the steel weights grinding against the metal framing, will be removed and hopefully put on display as a piece of history, Williams said.

The pontoon drawbridge that floats atop the water was mobilized in place 30 years ago as a temporary fix until a new bridge could be constructed.

The new bridge is a swing span, similar to the one that crosses the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, and will sit 10 to 20 feet above the water allowing smaller crafts safe passage at will.