DOTD announces results of Dec. 12 bid letting

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) considered bids totaling more than $68 million at its Dec. 12 public bid opening, according to Gov. Kathleen Blanco and DOTD Secretary Johnny B. Bradberry.

With a bid of $19,101,462.47, Diamond B Construction Co. LLC of Alexandria was the apparent low bidder on the most expensive job let Dec. 12, a project in Tangipahoa Parish calling for installing drainage pipe, asphalt overlay, pavement patching and related work on Interstate 55 from La. 10 to La. 1049.

On Dec. 5, DOTD considered bids totaling more than $30 million at its Dec. 5 public bid opening, according to Gov. Kathleen Blanco  and DOTD Secretary Johnny B. Bradberry.

With a bid of $6,782,461.10, Prairie Contractors Inc. of Opelousas was the apparent low bidder on the most expensive job let Dec. 5, a project in Beauregard Parish calling for installing drainage pipe, asphalt overlay, pavement patching and related work on La. 394 from U.S. 171 to La. 113.

Pelican Chapter ABC announces commencement of Shreveport area electrical training

The Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. recently announced the start up of training for its members in North Louisiana. In conjunction with the Louisiana Technical College (LTC) in Shreveport, ABC member employees began first year electrical training utilizing curriculum developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The four-year course qualifies under ABC’s indentured electrical training program sanctioned by the Louisiana Department of Labor.  In announcing the program, ABC area director Steve Whitelaw said, “ABC continues to bring innovative programs to its members in North Louisiana. We are very grateful to the management team at the Louisiana Technical College Region VII for their cooperation in making this program possible.

In addition to training programs at ABC facilities in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles ABC has been working with the LTC system to establish NCCER construction craft training in other areas of the state.  Recently LTC Region VIII began registration for millwright and welding training courses in conjunction with ABC at its West Monroe campus.

The programs in North Louisiana greatly enhance Louisiana’s Merit Shop Construction work force by complimenting training at ABC-owned facilities in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, where the combined registration for the Spring 2008 semesters has exceeded 1,400 construction craft professionals.

Louisiana TIMED Program launches education initiative for elementary students

The Louisiana TIMED Program recently launched a new education program called TIMED to Learn at Live Oak Manor Elementary School in Waggaman. Designed to interest elementary students in the fields of construction, transportation and engineering, TIMED to Learn will teach kids about the TIMED projects in their communities.

“The Huey P. Long Bridge is such a recognizable landmark in Jefferson Parish,” said TIMED Spokesperson Meghan Legaux. “Kids are usually much more aware than we give them credit for. They want to know what’s going on in their community and they’re looking for ways to learn without it feeling like school. The purpose of TIMED to Learn is to get them excited to learn about the transportation projects in their backyards.”

Teachers and students at Live Oak Manor Elementary School participated in several hands-on activities featuring the Huey P. Long Bridge. Nearly 100 third and fourth grade students spoke with project staff and touched materials being used to widen the bridge. They also played games and were treated to special goodie bags that included more educational activities and prizes.

“The event was fantastic,” said Dannie Becnel, principal of Live Oak Manor Elementary. “I heard wonderful statements from the teachers and students afterwards. It was well organized, hands-on and the children really enjoyed it.”

TIMED to Learn was designed for third graders with help from Louisiana teachers. Participating teachers will have access to several curriculum ideas for science, social studies and language arts, created with the state’s new grade-learning expectations in mind. In addition, teachers and students are encouraged to visit the program’s website, http://www.timedtolearn.com/