Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 11, Construction for Louisiana’s new Calcasieu River Bridge is set to begin in March 2026, with completion expected in 2031. The tolled bridge will carry I-10 across Lake Charles, replacing the existing structure. The project cost has risen to $2.4 billion and is being executed under a design, build, operate model.

Work will commence for Louisiana’s new Calcasieu River Bridge in 2026

The work is managed by Calcasieu Bridge Partners, a joint venture of Plenary Americas, Acciona Concesiones, and Sacyr Infrastructure USA, with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) as the client. The existing bridge, opened in 1952 as part of US Highway 90 and incorporated into I-10 in the 1960s, no longer meets current standards. It is narrow, lacks shoulders, and has steep approach grades. The new bridge will be lower, less steep, feature additional lanes, full shoulders, and roadway lighting to meet modern requirements.

The project covers an 8.8 km traffic corridor linking Ryan Street in Lake Charles with the I-210 and I-10 interchange at Westlake. Construction includes the new bridge, approaches, interstate links, ramps, I-10 service roads, and interchanges at PPG Drive, Sampson Street, and North Lakeshore/Ryan Street. Sampson Street will be elevated over railroad tracks to prevent train-related blockages.

The existing bridge, officially named the Louisiana Memorial World War II Bridge, is 2 km long and 16 m wide. It has decorative ironwork with crossed guns integrated into the railings, a historic feature that will be reflected in the new bridge design. The current structure handles approximately 90,000 vehicles per day, well above the 37,000 vehicles/day it was designed for.

The DOTD has studied the feasibility of tolling through an Environmental Impact Statement, indicating a high likelihood of success. The project will deliver a modern bridge with tolling, enhanced lighting, and expanded lanes.

Governor Jeff Landry said: “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. 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 added: “Southwest Louisiana residents have waited decades for a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. 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.”

The new Calcasieu River Bridge is designed to improve traffic flow, meet current safety and travel standards, and support economic growth along the I-10 corridor in Louisiana, providing a modern, durable infrastructure asset for the region.