LADOTD and the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission proceeded with improvements identified by GEC in a feasibility study to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and transit use on the St. Claude Bridge. Under a retainer contract with the Port of New Orleans (PONO), GEC was assigned the design of ITS solutions, including the relocation of traffic signals and warning gates due to the modification to the existing median to allow the addition of a bicycle lane on the approach roadways (east and west side of the bridge). These improvements were identified in one of the alternates of the feasibility study. The improvements also included electrical modifications and safety improvements.
GEC designed an elevated walkway and platform, attached to the outside of the vehicular bridge, to support a cantilevered traffic signal pole and traffic gate. Pole design and support design conformed to AASHTO LRFD Specifications for Highway Signs, Luminaries and Traffic Signals with wind loads based on ASCE 7-10. The pole base plates and anchors were designed to provide a full moment connection to the roadway retaining walls.
