Contractor Gets the Go-Ahead on $2.3 Billion Louisiana Bridge Project

State officials in Louisiana received approval and notified the contractor to proceed with a $2.3 billion bridge megaproject over a section of the Calcasieu River. The project improves the 5.5-mile corridor from Lake Charles to the I-210 and I-10 interchange in the town of Westlake. 

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) said in a statement that the Calcasieu River Bridge megaproject in Lake Charles received a Notice to Proceed. The development allows the contractor Calcasieu Bridge Partners, a joint venture of companies, , to start work.

A statement by lead-developer Plenary Group said they "will now begin the design-build phase of the project, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2031."

A section rendering of the Calcasieu Bridge project. Image: Louisiana DOTD

According to the DOTD, preliminary construction work may begin as early as this year. 

Details of the scope of work Plenary Americas provided include:

• Design and construction of a new 8-lane bridge over the Calcasieu River, with 3 travel lanes and 1 auxiliary lane in each direction.
• Modification and relocation of existing roadways and interchanges.
• Demolition and removal of the existing Calcasieu River Bridge once traffic is transferred to the new bridge.
• Roadside and back-office systems for toll revenue collection that is interoperable with existing LA tolling systems and the Central States US Hub.
• Tolling operations, including a customer service center.

Calcasieu Bridge Partners is a group of companies, including:

Once construction is completed, Calcasieu Bridge Partners will operate and maintain the new bridge for up to 50 years.

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