I-10 widening project at heart of class action lawsuit against state, contractors

GRETNA – A group of Jefferson Parish residents have filed a class action lawsuit against those responsible for a widening project on Interstate 10.

Richard Bagot, Joan Bagot, Wilson Revelle, Darla Rvelle, Mark Guillote and Lashan Guillote, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated sued James Holdings LLC, Volkert Inc., Parish of Jefferson and the State of Louisiana throughout the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 10.

Bagot claims that properties were damaged during construction of the $42.2 million I-10 widening project, administered by Volkert Inc. and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, that expanded Interstate 10 from six to 10 lanes and added a sound wall between Clearview Parkway and Veterans Boulevard in Metairie.

The plaintiffs assert that mega-ton gravel and cement trucks owned by James Holdings used Elizabeth Street in Metairie as a shortcut during construction and that vibrations caused by the truck movement resulted in damage to adjacent properties including structural and foundation damages and damage to pilings, plumbing, sewer lines, carport and garage, bricks, concrete, stucco, sheetrock, interior walls, exterior walls, sidewalk and driveways.

Bagot alleges that a proper permit was required for the street to be used in such a manner and that any permit issued restricts vehicle weight to five tons. The plaintiffs claims the defendants routinely drove trucks in the area in excess of eight tons and did not have proper permits to do so.

The defendants are accused of negligence.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for costs necessary to remedy damages, compensatory costs, mental anguish, grief, distress, loss of market value, attorney’s fees and expert witness fees.

Bagot et al are represented by Neil F. Nazareth of New Orleans-based Martzell & Bickford APC.

The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Ross P. LaDart.

Case no. 734-522.