The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is extending the deadline for executing the public-private partnership (P3) for the Interstate 10 widening project to Feb. 1, 2024. The project includes a new Calcasieu River Bridge in the cities of Lake Charles and Westlake.

DOTD and Calcasieu Bridge Partners have agreed to extend the deadline for execution of the P3 contract by 60 days, said DOTD District 7 spokesperson John Guidroz said. The P3 proposal submitted by Calcasieu Bridge Partners on June 6 was originally set to expire Dec. 3.

The agreement to extend the proposal validity period provides additional time for further limited negotiations and to secure necessary approvals, with the ultimate goal being to advance the project.

DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda said replacing the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge remains a critical priority for transportation investment, and that extending the deadline for executing the P3 contract is a step forward in the effort to continue exploring various options for moving forward with the project.