Parsons to Begin Design Work on Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge in North America.

PASADENA, Calif. -- Parsons, in conjunction with Flatiron Constructors, Inc., and Granite Construction Company, will design and construct the new Mississippi River bridge connecting New Roads and St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Commissioned by the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development

A veteran in transportation services, Parsons and its affiliates received the highest technical scores, a critical factor in the LADOTD's selection.

"We're excited to be a part of this project," said Jim Shappell, Parsons Group President. "It's part of Louisiana's TIMED (Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development) Program, the single largest transportation program in state history. Parsons will be responsible for the overall design of the project."

The new Mississippi River bridge, officially named the John James Audubon Bridge, is LADOTD's first design-build project. The bridge will replace the current ferry used to cross the Mississippi River in the area.

The project, slated for completion in summer 2010, includes approximately 12 miles of roadway, and a 2.44-mile-long cable-stayed bridge across the river. The roadway will connect to U.S. 61 in West Feliciana Parish, south of LA 966 (south of St. Francisville) and then connect to Highway 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish, east of Hospital Road.

Parsons, celebrating over 60 years of setting industry standards, is a leader in many diversified markets such as transportation, facilities, planning, infrastructure, industrial processes, communications, water, environmental, and advanced technology. Parsons provides technical and management solutions to private industrial customers worldwide as well as federal, regional, and local government agencies. For more about Parsons, please visit us at www.parsons.com.