By John E. Settle Jr.
Editor / Publisher
 
It’s sorta like wearing a brand-new suit with old, worn-out, unpolished shoes.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation recently completed a "redo" of the Long-Allen Bridge, commonly referred to as the Texas Street Bridge.

The labors, which took over 18 months, included installation of outriggers and cables. Additionally, the metal frame was sanded and repainted.

The project also included installation of panels on the outside concrete frame that provided safety and esthetics.

The finished product is all painted in a pleasing pewter color.

But if one drives over the bridge, the unpainted metal guardrails on the outside lanes next to sidewalk were NOT painted.

These large metal pieces have obviously been installed at different times.

Some are incredibly old, some are newer, and all look shabby in comparison to the structural repainting. Many show the scars of vehicles that collided with the panels.

From a distance the bridge looks great. But the view from your car window while driving over the bridge is very disappointing
 THIS ARTICLE IS PUBLISHED IN THE September 4 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.