Modjeski and Masters was retained by the Louisiana Department of Highways to study a proposed highway bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge. The highway would eventually become Interstate 10. After the initial study was completed, Modjeski and Masters developed final plans for the accepted bridge structure.
Construction on the bridge substructure units commenced on March 21, 1963. Shown here is construction progress as of July 1964. Work would also begin on several approach roadways, bridges, and interchanges.
With major work on the substructure completed, the superstructure work started in January 1966. Shown here is construction progress in July 1966 on the main cantilever span.
Using six lanes of I-10 to connect Port Allen in West Baton Rouge to the Capital City, the bridge opened to traffic on April 10, 1968. The bridge was named after three separate Horace Wilkinson's who served a total of 54 years on the Louisiana legislature.
Modjeski and Masters performed an evaluation of the as-built pier protection system that was damaged by a ship impact. We then designed an innovative new fender system which featured precast concrete modules. These modules provide superior protection to bridge piers and are easily replaceable.
Modjeski and Masters has performed numerous maintenance and repair projects since the bridge opened. Most recently, we were tasked with developing plans to repaint the bridge, which included a traffic management plan.