From pump stations to marine works, award-winning Sealevel Construction continues delivering heavy civil infrastructure solutions
Over the last two decades, Sealevel Construction (Sealevel) has proved itself as a pioneer in the heavy civil construction industry, delivering innovative solutions for marine, industrial, municipal and oil and gas markets across the Gulf Coast region and beyond.
Formed in 1997 in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Sealevel employs over 500 people across multiple affiliated companies, which comprise Specks Fabrication and Cutting, Eagle Drydock and Marine Services, Eagle Marine Towing, Mike Evans Crane and Equipment Services, Rodrigue’s Electrical Service, and Sigma Geostructural Solutions. The company was founded by Richard Roth, who earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Louisiana State University and his master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Houston. He began his career in Houston and Dallas managing projects in interstate highway and bridge construction before returning to his hometown to set up Sealevel, which has become renowned for its expertise in the planning and execution of complex, large-scale projects.
Sealevel links its success to lasting relationships and a common-sense approach, which have allowed the business to expand its capabilities. It now provides a host of works including pile driving, structural concrete, specialty foundations, steel fabrication, marine logistics, site work development, electrical services and heavy equipment repair.
One of Sealevel’s main focuses is flood protection and drainage-related work in South Louisiana, including hurricane mitigation, levees and pump stations. The company began working on the Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex in Autumn 2024, and Phase 2 of the $320 million lock complex looks set for completion in 2028. It will involve construction of the Inland and Gulf-side sector gates, lock chamber, control building, operations area and a 175-foot bridge. In addition, Sealevel was recently awarded the Montz 1 and Montz 2 Pump Station projects in St. Charles Parish, with a combined contract value of $33 million. With Montz 1 well underway, heavy pile driving and construction of the temporary access road have been completed, and cofferdam excavation is in progress. For Montz 2, the cutoff wall and wing wall plumb and batter piles have been completed, along with construction of the permanent access road over the levee. The next phase will involve installation of the remaining plumb and batter concrete piles, as well as the 90-foot sheet piles for the cutoff wall.
In a similar sector, Sealevel was also awarded the general contract for the multi-phased, $96 million Bayou Lafourche Pump Station which is in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and anticipates completion in 2026. Although these types of projects are Sealevel’s focus, it has another exciting contract in the pipeline for the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Red River Lock and Dam No. 1 Tainter Gates Replacement project includes fabrication, removal, and installation of 11 Tainter Gates in the Red River in Marksville, Louisiana. Fabrication is underway and nearing completion on all 11 gates.
Award-winning project portfolio
Following its involvement in a range of cutting-edge projects, Sealevel has been presented with numerous awards in recognition of its outstanding work. For example, it was the recipient of two Merit Excellence in Construction Awards in 2023 for the Inland LNG Pipeline Platforms project. The project incorporated building two marine platforms in the Barataria Bay, created to connect two natural gas pipelines to Venture Global LNG’s new facility in Plaquemines Parish. Through extensive planning and collaboration with project owners and engineers, the Sealevel team determined the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods of construction. Sealevel’s fabrication division, Specks Fabrication, also designed, drafted, and fabricated the project’s two-tier piling templates. On completion, the templates were barged to site from its affiliated marine yard, Eagle Drydock and Marine Services.
Future plans entail continued growth and expansion for the company, as it boasts a record-high backlog, indicating strong demand for services. Furthermore, Sealevel is currently building out a marine logistics yard which comprises 2000 feet of bulkhead, a 650-ton travel lift, and dock side cranes. Already 50 percent complete, this yard will enable it to move away from its leased site and operate in its own space.
“We look ahead to changing markets, striving to bring the best possible game plan to our clients,” Sealevel states online. “We take pride in applying innovative solutions to any unique challenges that come our way, and we perform each project, big or small, public or private, with commitment and drive. We are proud of the work ethic and reputation that our diversely skilled team has established for Sealevel. Because of them, Sealevel continues to grow as a leader in the heavy civil construction industry.”