The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) recently requested approval from the senate and house chairmen of the Committees on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works to execute a public-private partnership contract with Calcasieu Bridge Partners for the replacement of the I-10 Bridge over the Calcasieu River.
In the letter written by LaDOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda, he noted the existing bridge is more than 70 years old, lacks shoulders, and the approach grades are steep.
“If a replacement project is not undertaken soon, a major, and likely very expensive, repair project will be necessary to keep the bridge in service,” wrote Kalivoda.
The $2.1-billion project has received some pushback, particularly regarding the toll rates for the new bridge.
According to Kalivoda, the toll rates are necessary to cover the costs of the project, and “are in line with, and in some cases lower than, those on comparable toll bridges across the country.” Although he states the toll rates are reasonable, Kalivoda expressed that DOTD and Calcasieu Bridge Partners are still committed to exploring options to reduce or eliminate the tolls.
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Source: KPLC News
