It’s official: DOTD signs off on public-private partnership for I-10 Bridge project
Published 4:14 pm Wednesday, January 31, 2024
- A boy runs along a lakefront walkway Thursday in front of the 70-year-old I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. It was announced Thursday that the U.S. Dept. of Transportation is awarding $150M in Mega Grant funding for a new bridge to be built. (Donna Price / American Press)
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development on Wednesday signed the official, public-private partnership (P3) with Calcasieu Bridge Partners to build the new Interstate 10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles — an estimated $2.1 billion project.
The Joint Legislative Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee approved the P3 between DOTD and CBP during its meeting Tuesday.
The project is a 5.5-mile corridor stretching from near Ryan Street in Lake Charles to the I-210 and I-10 interchange in Westlake. Along with the new bridge and approaches, the project includes the interstate roadways and ramps, the I-10 service roads, and interchanges at PPG Drive, Sampson Street, and North Lakeshore/Ryan Street that connect the interstate to state roads and local streets. Sampson Street will be elevated over the railroad tracks to eliminate blockages from trains.
The existing bridge was built in the early 1950s and predates the interstate system. It is narrow, lacks shoulders, and has steep approach grades. Conversely, the new bridge will be lower and not as steep, have more lanes, full shoulders, and roadway lighting.
Gov. Jeff Landry said moving this long-awaited project forward will bring about a bridge that meets all modern travel standards. Similarly, building the new bridge and expanding the I-10 corridor will open the door to more opportunities for economic growth throughout Southwest Louisiana and the state.
“Getting this deal secured in a way that was best suited for the Southwest Louisiana region was one of my administration’s top goals when I took office,” Landry said. “With today’s signature, we have proven that we are committed to investing in infrastructure that will significantly benefit Louisiana and the I-10 corridor, and give the Lake Charles region a potential revenue stream for generations to come.”
DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue said this project has been years in the making, and the updated bridge will provide a better traveling experience for the thousands of travelers who cross it daily.
“Southwest Louisiana residents have waited decades for a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge,” he said. “Now, it’s more than just a pipe dream. We at DOTD are pleased to see this project advance. Motorists can look forward to an upgraded bridge that will be in line with today’s regulations.”
