1) REPAIR

Inspections of the Magnolia Bridge have revealed structural damage and the existence of lead paint and pack rust. Necessary repair and remediation work, as determined by the Regional Planning Commission’s feasibility study, is the first step in the Re-Bridge process.

2) REHABILITATE

Over the decades several of the architectural and stylistic details of the bridges have disappeared; others are broken or corroded. We seek to rehabilitate these missing and damaged historic elements in order to return these bridges to the graceful dignity of their original design. Examples of this on the Magnolia Bridge include rehabilitation of damaged lattice work, missing handrails, stringers, floor beams, and the decorative finials. On the Dumaine Bridge rehabilitation work will focus on the damaged concrete façade, wing wall repair and distressed steel guardrails.

3) BEAUTIFY

Once repaired and rehabilitated, Re-Bridge seeks to beautify the bridges with a thoughtfully designed and environmentally responsible painting of the structural steel. We are targeting the use of enhanced coating materials that offer durability and corrosion control, and comply with environmental standards for a greener planet.

4) IMPROVE

Faubourg St. John is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in New Orleans, and the Dumaine Street and Magnolia bridges anchor this heavily used portion of the neighborhood. Re-Bridge seeks to increase the usability, accessibility, and safety of the bridges and the pathways that connect them. Many enhancement opportunities exist, and Re-Bridge encourages neighborhood participation in discussing options and merits.

• Repair severely buckled sidewalks and establish a continuous, useable pathway around both banks of the bayou, eliminating the safety hazards that currently exist.
• Replace the current timber planks and curb with composite material decking and a hidden fastening system. This improvement will create a safer and significantly more resilient footpath while not compromising the historic character of the bridge.
• Augment the banks of the bayou with landscaping and shoreline plantings to create a linear park, perhaps including seating venues or public art.
• Consider adding lampposts to the Dumaine Street bridge, utilizing solar power applied to era-appropriate design.

5) MAINTAIN

Re-Bridge seeks to establish a fund for annual maintenance, to be administered and replenished by the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association. Future repair needs will be greatly minimized as a result of careful neighborhood stewardship of these historic bridges. The Re-Bridge maintenance plan will include annual pressure washing, deck maintenance, graffiti removal, landscape maintenance, and other minor repairs as needed.