The Louisiana Joint Transportation, Highway and Public Works Committee has approved solicitation proposals advancing a public-private partnership bridge project, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) reported this week.
The action enables the agency to enter into a contract with an entity to build and finance a new Calcasieu River Bridge on Interstate 10 in Lake Charles.
“DOTD has successfully procured funding for various projects in the past by using this innovative method considering the underperforming three-decades-old gas tax,” Transportation Secretary Shawn D. Wilson said. “By utilizing a Public-Private Partnership, the only way to move forward with this project is with the help of the private sector and a user fee. The cost of doing nothing is far greater.”
Authorities indicated the scope of work would involve the I-10/I-210 west interchange to the Ryan Street exit ramp on the east side of the bridge, noting the Calcasieu River Bridge and the interstate within the project limits would be reconstructed to ensure vertical clearance, horizontal alignment, sight distances, and other road and bridge elements meet current design criteria.
The total cost of constructing a new bridge is estimated to be between $600 to $800 million, dependent on the preferred alternative chosen – of which DOTD has committed $85 million.
“The Chamber SWLA I-10 Bridge Task Force is pleased that the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee has approved DOTD moving forward with solicitation for a public-private partnership (P3) for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles,” SWLA Economic Development Alliance President George Swift, said. “This outdated bridge needs to be replaced, and we now have a plan to make it happen. We will continue to seek federal funding to help offset the cost of the project.”