Hydrologic Restoration Along Highway 384 (DNR)

GRAND LAKE, LA

The Hwy 384 Hydrologic Restoration project consisted of two roadways within the marsh which needed to be brought to a desired elevation without disturbing the structures along them. Vehicular access to control structures within the marsh is necessary for maintenance of these structures. The marshland around these roadways was also to be protected.

Forte & Tablada, Inc. performed the necessary Topographic Surveys and Engineering Design Services for these restoration projects within the Calcasieu-Sabine Basin area on the northeast side of Calcasieu Lake. Tasks included in this project were setting of six staff gauges, Field Surveys and Preliminary and Final Construction Plans to repair/restore the roadways to proper elevation.

Roadway 1 was located approximately 4.5 miles south on the west side of Hwy 384 from the Sweet Lake Draw Bridge crossing the Intracoastal Waterway in Grand Lake. Roadway 2 was located from Sweet Lake Draw Bridge on LA Hwy 384 crossing the Intracoastal Waterway in Grand Lake and proceeding westerly on LA Hwy 384 for approximately three miles to the right on the east side of the highway.

The contractor was required to degrass the existing aggregate surface, ensuring that material did not enter the water and that no contaminants entered the marsh. New material which met a specified gradation was required to be placed and compacted up to the required elevation. In addition, Forte & Tablada was required to specify water monitoring equipment which was to be placed near some of the existing structures, as per the requirements of the Department of Natural Resources.