The Interstate 10 (I-10) Calcasieu River Bridge (CRB) is located between Westlake and Lake Charles, Louisiana. The CRB was originally constructed as part of the U.S. Highway System in the mid 1950s and integrated as a part of I-10 in the 1960s. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) determined that the CRB needed to be replaced and retained a firm to initiate a replacement engineering and environmental feasibility study. As a result of the feasibility study, an unknown potential soil contamination was identified in the area of the Sampson Street interchange. After further analysis, it was determined that the edge-driven convection (EDC) plume had in fact migrated onto the LA DOTD right-of-way and the spreading EDC would not only impact construction of the Sampson Street interchange but also construction of the new CRB. The LA DOTD filed a suit claiming it was entitled to be compensated in full by the originator of the contamination for damages.

Spire was retained by the LA DOTD’s law firm to opine on the impacts the EDC contamination would likely have on the construction of the project. Spire performed an analysis to determine if the execution of the Calcasieu River Bridge project would be impacted by the presence of an EDC contamination.

As a result of the cost and time impact analysis (TIA), Spire concluded the project execution would be impacted in and around the Sampson Street interchange.

Calcasieu River Bridge

Spire’s team of experts is comprised of experienced construction engineering professionals that understand the range of risks companies face throughout the dispute resolution process. From managing claims and quantifying damages to assessing productivity loss, calculating schedule delays, and evaluating standard of care, Spire’s litigation support experts analyze each particular dispute situation to ensure the best outcome for its clients.

Resolving construction disputes is challenging. From mediation to arbitration and litigation support, Spire can provide guidance in navigating the technical challenges throughout the dispute resolution process to provide your case the support it requires. Spire’s construction claims and litigation support experts bring years of hands-on construction experience to every dispute and render opinions that are clear, concise, and objective to help make the strongest case possible. 

Spire’s construction claims and litigation support experts provide the following services: